Russia Reaffirms Backing for Venezuela Amid Maduro Government’s Reported Military Aid Request
CARACAS – Russia has publicly reiterated its support for Venezuela as teh Maduro government reportedly seeks military assistance from Russia, China, and Iran, escalating tensions with the United States. The Kremlin’s statements follow recent defensive exercises by Venezuela and international denunciations of perceived US military threats, including discussions at the United Nations Security Council. Caracas has accused the US of potential “false flag” operations.
According to a recent report in The Washington Post, Venezuela has formally requested ”defensive radars, aircraft repairs and possibly missiles” from Russia, and also GPS scramblers and drones from Iran. The requests, detailed in letters to the allied nations’ leaders, allegedly include a proposed three-year financing plan for purchases from Russia’s state-owned defense corporation Rostec. Officials in venezuela, Russia, China, and Iran have not yet commented on the report.
Moscow has been a key military ally to Venezuela for the past quarter-century, helping the governments of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro reduce reliance on US military equipment. this support was visibly demonstrated last week with the arrival of two Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft in Caracas, operated by Zicotrans, capable of carrying up to 50 tons of cargo - the contents of which were not publicly disclosed.
Venezuela currently possesses a meaningful arsenal of Russian-supplied military hardware, including 24 Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 fighter jets equipped with Kh-31A anti-ship missiles (though the operational status of all aircraft is unknown), long-range S-300VM and medium-range Buk-M2 surface-to-air missile systems, and portable Igla-S launchers.
The increased cooperation between Moscow and Caracas comes as both nations face extensive Western economic sanctions.A recently ratified strategic cooperation treaty between the two countries establishes a joint commitment to collaboration in defense, energy, finance, and diplomacy. Further solidifying ties, Venezuelan state airline Conviasa launched a new weekly flight route connecting Caracas and Saint Petersburg on Friday.
While russia’s military industry is currently strained by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, potentially limiting its ability to provide substantial aid, the Kremlin’s continued political and military support signals a deepening alliance in the face of international pressure.