The Kremlin confirmed that it remains in contact with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and cited existing "contractual obligations" between the two governments as the United States expands military activity in the Caribbean and Pacific and continues lethal strikes on vessels it says are linked to drug trafficking.
Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told state news agency TASS that Moscow is "in contact with our friends in Venezuela" following reporting by The Washington Post that Maduro recently asked Russia for upgraded air defenses, military aircraft repairs, financing, and potentially missiles.
"We have several contractual obligations," Peskov told TASS, without addressing the alleged request directly.
Russia's Foreign Ministry reiterated last week that it is prepared to respond to Venezuelan requests "in light of existing and potential threats," as La Tercera points out. Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova added that the countries would continue to work "side by side" and look to the future "with confidence."
The Washington Post reported last week that internal U.S. government documents show Maduro appealed to President Vladimir Putin for assistance overhauling defensive radars, repairing Sukhoi fighter jets, and acquiring as many as 14 missile systems. Venezuela also sought help from China and Iran, including drones and electronic warfare equipment, according to those documents. The Post said it remains unclear whether Russia agreed to the proposals.
The Post reported that an Il-76 cargo plane under U.S. sanctions arrived in Caracas this month after avoiding Western airspace. Analysts cited by the outlet cautioned that Russia's ability and willingness to assist may be constrained as the Kremlin prioritizes its war in Ukraine and shifts its regional posture.
"The reality is that Russia has been relatively quiet on Venezuela," Douglas Farah, president of IBI Consultants, told the Post, adding that Moscow has invested "very little political capital" defending Maduro.
The confirmation of contact comes amid heightened regional tension. The United States has conducted more than a dozen deadly strikes on alleged narcotics-linked vessels since September, killing more than 60 people, and has deployed major naval assets including the USS Gerald R. Ford to waters near Venezuela.
In a CBS interview aired Sunday, President Donald Trump said he doubted war with Venezuela was imminent but asserted that Maduro's "days are numbered."
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