Maduro asked Putin to help his country defend itself against possible attacks by the United States
Photo: Ekaterina Lazareva © URA.RU
Russia and Venezuela are bound by various contractual obligations. This was announced by the press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov. This was the Kremlin representative's comment on the information that at the end of October, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appealed to the Russian president Vladimir Putin for support.
Maduro asked Putin for help against the backdrop of the information received about the decision of the US head Donald Trump to carry out a number of strikes on the facilities on the Venezuelan territory, allegedly related to the drug production. According to Western media, the Pentagon is already preparing for a military operation. In this regard, the Venezuelan leader asked the Russian head of state to give his country missiles, radars and to repair aircraft.
Military experts believe that the Russian Federation, in addition to missiles, may transfer additional air defense systems to Venezuela. And State Duma deputy Alexey Zhuravlev even suggested that Russia could share the latest weapons with the South American country. In particular, "Hazel".
All of this may be true, as the two countries have a long history of cooperation. The Russian Empire was the first to recognize the independence of the Latin American state in the 19th century. In March of this year, Moscow and Caracas celebrated the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Venezuela. In this article, we will explore how Russia can help its partner, what the United States plans to do, and how the relationship between the two countries has evolved.What the US wants from Venezuela
The publication The Washington Post (WP) on October 31 published information about the fact that Maduro sent an appeal to Putin with a request for assistance against the background of increased tensions in relations with the United States. The Venezuelan leader asked for the supply of missile weapons and financial resources, as well as for the repair of aircraft. At the same time, materials from Western media appear about the possible preparation of the Pentagon for a land military operation on the territory of Venezuela.
According to The Miami Herald newspaper, citing sources, the White House plans to destroy military facilities that are allegedly controlled by the drug cartel Cartel de los Solas. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims that this criminal group is led by Maduro. According to the newspaper, it is also planned to eliminate the leadership of the cartel. The source of the publication stated that "Maduro's days are numbered." However, Trump and Rubio have denied this information. However, on October 24, the American leader announced that Washington would launch land strikes after conducting naval operations. The goal is to stop the flow of drugs from Venezuela to the United States.
The day after Maduro's appeal to Putin, WP published an article stating that the United States had sent warships, submarines, and several thousand troops to Venezuela. According to the publication, this increase in American military forces in the Caribbean indicates that the U.S. government plans to expand its operations in the region.
What exactly did Maduro ask Putin for?
According to the WP, in the letter, the Venezuelan leader asked Russia to help strengthen his country's air defense. This includes the repair of several Russian Su-30MK2 fighter jets that Caracas had previously purchased. Maduro emphasized that these Russian aircraft are crucial for protecting the Venezuelan government in the face of military threats.
In addition, the Venezuelan president asked for 14 missile systems and assistance in repairing five radars. He also requested financial assistance for three years and logistical support.
According to the Washington Post, this document was presented to the Russian authorities by Venezuelan Transport Minister Ramón Velásquez during his visit to Moscow in mid-October.
The publication reports that he was also expected to present a similar request to Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
Moscow's position on this issue
Peskov confirmed to journalists that Russia and Venezuela have contractual obligations
Photo: Roman Naumov © URA.RU
Russia stands for respect for Venezuela's sovereignty and insists on resolving all issues surrounding the country based on international law, said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian president. He also noted that Moscow and Caracas carry out contacts within the framework of contractual obligations.
"In this case, we are indeed in contact with our friends in Venezuela. We have various contractual obligations," the Kremlin spokesman said.
"We reaffirm our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending national sovereignty. We advocate for the preservation of the Latin American and Caribbean region as a zone of peace. Steps must be taken to de-escalate the situation and promote constructive solutions to existing problems, while respecting international legal norms," Zakharova said in a statement published on the ministry's website.
Against this backdrop, on October 21, members of the State Duma ratified the strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Venezuela. The document was signed in Moscow on May 7, 2022. Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergey Ryabkov, emphasized the significance of this decision. According to him, the ratification is particularly relevant now, when the United States is exerting significant pressure on Venezuela, including military pressure.
After that, it became known that in October, an Il-76TD cargo plane from the Russian airline Aviakon Citotrans arrived in Venezuela. This airline is on the US sanctions list. It is unknown what exactly the plane was carrying. The flight passed through Armenia, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania. Political analyst Vadim Avva suggested in an interview with Tsargrad that the plane could have delivered equipment for air defense systems.
What weapons could Russia transfer to Venezuela?
According to Zhuravlev, the Russian Federation is already supplying weapons to Venezuela, including the Russian Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M2E systems.
Photo: Official website of the Russian Ministry of Defense
"I think that some assistance will be provided, although Russia is in a state of armed conflict. The needs of the Russian Armed Forces are a priority. However, we have the ability to provide Venezuela with additional air defense systems and missiles if necessary," Dandykin told Ridus.
Alexey Zhuravlev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Defense, said that Russia has been carrying out military-technical cooperation with Caracas for a long time. According to him, the country receives fighter jets, air defense systems, and anti-aircraft missile systems.
Zhuravlev suggested that Karakars could receive the Oreshnik or Kalibr missiles from Moscow
Photo: Created in Midjourney © URA.RU
"Russian Su-30MK2 fighters are the backbone of the Venezuelan Air Force, which makes it one of the most powerful aviation powers in the region. Delivery of several S-300VM divisions ("Antey-2500") significantly strengthened the country's ability to cover important objects from air attacks. According to the latest information, the Russian Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M2E systems were delivered to Caracas by Il-76 transport just a few days ago, "Zhuravlev said in a conversation with Gazeta.Ru».
He also suggested that Russia could supply Venezuela with the latest Russian weapons, including the Oreshnik missile system.
"Information about the volumes and exact names of what is being imported from Russia is classified, so the Americans may be in for a surprise. I see no reason why we shouldn't supply our friendly country with new developments like the Oreshnik or the well-performing Kalibr, as long as Russia is not bound by any international obligations," the deputy said.
How did relations between Russia and Venezuela develop?
Maduro visited Russia in May 2025, and he signed a strategic partnership agreement with Putin.
Photo: Ekaterina Lazareva © URA.RU
Venezuela was the first Latin American country that the Russian Empire recognized as an independent state. This happened on February 17, 1857, according to the website of the Russian Embassy in this South American country. Later, in the middle of the 20th century, on March 14, 1945, the USSR and Venezuela established diplomatic relations. However, on June 13, 1952, the Soviet government decided to sever these ties. The reason was that Soviet diplomats were unable to operate effectively in Venezuela. Relations were restored only on April 16, 1970, when the countries reopened their embassies. In December 1991, Venezuela recognized Russia as the successor of the USSR.
Maduro visited Moscow twice on the occasion of the 70th and 80th anniversaries of the Victory.
Photo: Roman Naumov © URA.RU
In addition, Russian and Venezuelan diplomats maintain close contacts. The countries have established partnerships in various fields, from the supply of products and fuel to cooperation in medicine, culture, and education.
Since 2024, six Venezuelan schools have started teaching Russian as a second foreign language. There is also growing interest in Venezuela among Russian tourists. In 2024, 45,000 Russians visited Venezuela, which is 30% more than the previous year. The number of Venezuelans visiting Russia has increased by one and a half times.
