Guaido is known as president even officially by EU states

Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain and other European Union states have officially recognised opposition leader Juan Guiado as president of Venezuela.

The decision comes after President Nicolas Maduro refused the EU-set deadline Sunday for the snap election announcement.

Guiado pleaded acting leader last month and won US support.

Russia, backers of Maduro, has accused EU countries of interfering with Venezuela's internal affairs.

While the pressure for Maduro's departure is on the rise, the latter has not ruled out the possibility of a civil war.

In a television interview, Maduro warned that President Donald Trump can be washed by the White House, covered with blood”, in case of US military intervention,