The U.S. has learned Venezuela's disputed president, Nicolas Maduro, was "ready" to leave the country amid protest violence and calls for his ouster -- until Russia convinced him to stay, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News on Tuesday night. “He was ready to go,” Pompeo said on “Special Report.” “He was diverted by the Russians.”He did not give any further specifics on when this apparently took place. Pompeo also noted he wanted Maduro, whom he called a “thug,” to get back on that plane. Pompeo said the Cubans and Russians have been in direct opposition of Venezuela’s duly elected leader, Juan Guaido. “It’s time for Maduro to leave … and rebuild this once great economy,” Pompeo told Bret Brier.

Source: Fox News April 30, 2019 22:14 UTC