Maduro Turns to Moscow for Military Aid as U.S. Presence Escalates in Caribbean

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin for military support amid the increasing military presence of the U.S. in the Caribbean, as reported by The Washington Post on Friday, referencing confidential U.S. government documents it has acquired.

The report indicates that Maduro sought assistance to bolster Venezuela’s air defense systems, which includes the acquisition of 14 missile units and the refurbishment of several Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters that Caracas had previously bought.

Additionally, he requested upgrades for eight engines, five radars, and other unspecified «logistical support.»

Maduro’s formal request to Putin was conveyed by Venezuelan Transportation Minister Ramón Celestino Velásquez during his trip to Moscow in mid-October, where he met with his Russian counterpart, according to the documents.

The letter reportedly emphasized the Su-30 aircraft as “the most significant deterrent for the Venezuelan National Government in light of the potential threat of war.”

The Venezuelan leader also sought a “three-year medium-term financing plan” via the Russian state defense company Rostec, though the specific financial details were not disclosed.

It is still uncertain whether Russia has responded to this appeal, as noted by The Washington Post.

Venezuela is among Russia’s closest allies in South America, a relationship that has strengthened since the era of the late socialist leader Hugo Chávez.

This year, Putin and Maduro formalized a strategic partnership agreement in Moscow, marking another alliance for Russia as it navigates the consequences of its large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

However, observers cited by The Washington Post suggest that Moscow, currently embroiled in the Ukraine conflict and focused on enhancing relations with other regional allies, may have limited capacity or willingness to assist Caracas should the U.S. initiate a comprehensive operation in Venezuela.