Russia Signals Support for Venezuela Amidst US Military Presence
CARACAS – As the United States increases its military presence near Venezuela, including the deployment of aircraft carriers, Russia has affirmed its readiness to support its ally.Washington maintains the deployments are part of an anti-narcotics operation,though,Venezuelan officials fear they represent a potential effort to destabilize President Nicolás Maduro‘s government.
russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Moscow is prepared to fulfill its obligations under a strategic partnership agreement signed with Venezuela in May. While the agreement is still undergoing ratification, Lavrov indicated it is nearing full implementation.He emphasized the agreement calls for continued security and military-technical cooperation between the two nations.
Recent developments demonstrate growing ties. Venezuela opened a facility to produce Kalashnikov ammunition three months after the partnership was signed, and a Russian cargo plane sanctioned by Western nations - known for transporting defense materials – landed in venezuela last month.
Alexei Zhuravlev, a member of the Russian Parliament’s Defense Committee, suggested there are no obstacles to Russia providing Venezuela with advanced weaponry. “We supply this country with almost every type of weapon, from small arms to aircraft,” Zhuravlev stated, implying potential for further military assistance.
This support comes as tensions rise in the region, with some observers suggesting the increased US military activity is escalating the risk of conflict, as reported in a related article: US Launches New Military operation, Situation is on the Verge of War with Venezuela.
