Russia has warned against “destructive meddling” in Venezuela as Britain recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.

The US, Canada and several Latin American and European countries have disavowed Nicolas Maduro over his disputed re-election last year and recognised Mr Guaido, the national assembly president, as the country’s rightful leader.

“The international community’s goal should be to help [Venezuela], without destructive meddling from beyond its borders,” Alexander Shchetinin, head of the Latin America department at Russia’s foreign ministry, told the Interfax news agency.

Britain’s foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said the UK and its European allies recognised Mr Guaido following Mr Maduro’s decision not to call new presidential elections following a collective ultimatum.

“Nicolas Maduro has not called presidential elections within eight-day limit we have set,” Mr Hunt tweeted. “So UK alongside European allies now recognises Juan Guaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis.”

Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Show all 18 1 /18 Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Protesters clash with the Bolivarian National Police during a demonstration against the government of the Venezuela and president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 23 January 2019 EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators cheer as Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself the country's "acting president" at a rally in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run congress, declares himself interim president of the nation until elections can be held during a rally in Caracas demanding leader Nicolas Maduro's resignation AP Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters carry letters to form the word "Democracy" while taking part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Police watch over marching anti-government protesters in Caracas EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A vehicle is overturned as opposition demonstrators block a road during a protest against the Venezuelan government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A National Police officer fires rubber bullets during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A demonstrator throws back a gas canister while clashing with security forces during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Security forces look on after clashing with opposition supporters participating in a rally against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government epa07313731 Opponents of Chavism demonstrate against the Government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, 23 January 2019. Chavists and opponents are again demonstrating in the streets of the country to support or question the legitimacy of the head of state, which the Parliament and a large part of the international community do not recognize. EPA/CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Riot police clash with opposition demonstrators during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro on the anniversary of the 1958 uprising that overthrew the military dictatorship, in Caracas on January 23, 2019. - Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declared himself the country's "acting president" on Wednesday during a mass opposition rally against leader Nicolas Maduro. (Photo by YURI CORTEZ / AFP)YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images YURI CORTEZ AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government The remains of a statue of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez is seen hanging from a pedestrian bridge after it was destroyed in San Felix, Venezuela REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Riot police on motorcycles clash with opposition demonstrators during protests in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Supporters celebrate Juan Guaido declaration that he is Venezuelan president EPA

Last week his administration issued crippling sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA, a key source of revenue for the troubled Opec nation, whose population is experiencing malnutrition and medicine shortages.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau promised $53m (£30.8m) in aid to “address the most pressing needs of Venezuelans on the ground”.

Mr Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse and the exodus of millions of Venezuelans, is still backed by Russia, China and Turkey, and has the critical support of the military.

“We don’t accept ultimatums from anyone,” Mr Maduro said in a defiant interview with Spanish TV channel Antena 3 carried out last week and broadcast on Sunday.

“I refuse to call for elections now – there will be elections in 2024. We don’t care what Europe says.”

In another interview with Spanish broadcaster Salvados TV, he warned Mr Trump to “hold it right there”.

He told the US president: “You are making mistakes that will leave your hands covered in blood and you will leave the presidency stained with blood.”

US national security advisor John Bolton announces Venezuela sanctions

Mr Guaido proclaimed himself interim leader on 23 January amid mass protests against the Maduro regime.

He argued Mr Maduro’s re-election in May was fraudulent and said, as head of Venezuela’s congress, that the country’s constitution gave him power to be interim president.

After Mr Maduro warned he could not rule out civil war if the protests continued, Mr Hunt cautioned that those responsible for human rights violations would be held to account.

“The people of Venezuela have suffered enough. It is time for a new start, with free and fair elections in accordance with international democratic standards,” he said in a statement.

“The oppression of the illegitimate, kleptocratic Maduro regime must end. Those who continue to violate the human rights of ordinary Venezuelans under an illegitimate regime will be called to account.

“The Venezuelan people deserve a better future.”