Maduro Asks Putin for Military Help Against US Forces in Caribbean

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro seeks urgent military support from Russia. This request comes as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Caribbean Sea.

Maduro’s Urgent Appeal to Russia

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has requested military assistance from Russia. His request went to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This action follows the U.S. concentrating forces near the Caribbean, as per The Washington Post on Friday. The newspaper cited internal U.S. government documents they obtained.

Specific Defense Needs Outlined

The report indicates that Maduro asked for help to boost Venezuela’s air defense systems. This included a request for 14 missile units to be delivered. He also sought the restoration of several Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets. Caracas had previously bought these jets. Maduro also requested repairs for eight engines and five radar units. Unspecified “logistical support” was also part of his appeal.

Letter Delivery and Justification

Venezuelan Transportation Minister Ramón Celestino Velásquez delivered Maduro’s written appeal to Putin. This happened during his visit to Moscow in mid-October. Velásquez met with his Russian counterpart then, according to the documents. The letter reportedly called the Su-30 jets “the most important deterrent the Venezuelan National Government had when facing the threat of war.”

Financing and Geopolitical Context

The Venezuelan leader also sought a three-year “medium-term financing plan.” This was to be arranged through Rostec, Russia’s state defense conglomerate. The total financial amount was not mentioned. The Washington Post noted that Russia’s response to this request is still unknown. Venezuela is a very close Russian ally in South America. Caracas strengthened ties with Moscow under the late socialist leader Hugo Chávez.

Putin and Maduro signed a strategic partnership treaty this year in Moscow. This is one of many alliances Russia has formed since the full-scale Ukraine invasion. However, The Washington Post cited observers saying Moscow’s capabilities are limited. Russia is deeply involved in the Ukraine war. It is also trying to strengthen other regional partnerships. Therefore, Moscow may have little interest or capacity to aid Caracas if the U.S. launched a full operation inside the country.