Opposition leader Juan Guaido has the support of the "middle and lower ranks" of the military, his US representative told CNN's Christiane Amanpour today.

"What you have seen is only a statement from the privileged elite of the army force. We have the support of the middle and lower ranks," diplomat Carlos Vecchio said.

He confirmed that Guaido's side has not had any negotiations with Maduro.

"The only negotiation that we could have is just the exit of Maduro. The day and he hour and how," Vecchio said.

Vecchio denied that Guaido was leading a coup in Caracas, saying that he is "trying to do is restore democracy and the constitution."

"The coup has been implemented by Maduro, who is holding the power," he said.

Regarding Russia's presence in the country, he said: "Well, we have been very clear with Russians. This is a problem that has to be resolved by Venezuelans. And they cannot be part of this conflict. And they should remove all the military officers that they have in Venezuela."