Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sought military aid from Russia, China, and Iran to counter what he calls escalating U.S. aggression, as Washington builds up forces near the Caribbean.
CARACAS — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is appealing to Russia, China, and Iran for military assistance as U.S. forces amass in the Caribbean, according to internal U.S. government documents obtained by The Washington Post.
The documents reveal that Maduro drafted letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, seeking “expanded military cooperation” and equipment upgrades to strengthen Venezuela’s defenses.
His requests reportedly include missiles, radar systems, and aircraft repairs. “The seriousness of perceived U.S. aggression in the Caribbean,” Maduro wrote, “must be viewed as action against China due to our shared ideology.”
Venezuelan Transport Minister Ramón Velásquez also coordinated a shipment of drones and detection equipment from Iran and was expected to deliver Maduro’s letters to Russian officials during an October visit to Moscow.
The U.S. military has deployed ships, drones, and troops near Venezuela, which Washington says is aimed at curbing drug smuggling. Russia, while maintaining oil and defense ties with Caracas, has remained cautious amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Analysts say Moscow’s support may be limited compared with past years. “Would Russia do anything in case of a U.S. operation? I think it is not in the immediate plans,” said Victor Jeifets, a Russian political analyst.