Russia says it will continue supplying Venezuela with weapons – including missiles – despite tensions with Washington and new contracts shaping a strategic partnership. . **Body:**
Russia Ready to Arm Caracas
High Representative Alexander Zhuravlev confirmed that Moscow continues to supply arms to Venezuela amid rising tensions between Caracas and Washington.
Speaking to Gazeta.ru, he said Russia remains a “key military‑technical partner,” providing everything from small arms to combat aircraft, while the exact details of quantity and type remain classified. He warned that “Americans may expect surprises.”
New Phase of Military Cooperation
Zhuravlev noted that no international obligations prevent Russia from supplying advanced long‑range systems, including Kalibr missiles, to Venezuela.
This statement coincided with reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro requested military assistance from Russia, China, and Iran, seeking missiles, radars, and aircraft repair support due to the growing US presence in the Caribbean.
Russia Strengthens Influence in Latin America
Russia ratified a new strategic treaty with Venezuela that deepens military and political cooperation.
Under the treaty, projects include an ammunition factory launched in July in Aragua, a development announced nearly twenty years earlier, and the exploitation rights for oil and gas fields valued at billions of dollars.
These initiatives further bolster Russia’s economic influence in the region.
Trump Accuses Venezuela
The United States has increased its military presence off Venezuela, deploying a squadron of three destroyers and roughly 4,500 troops to combat drug cartels.
Washington claims the Maduro regime exports narcotics to the US, while reports suggest plans to strike Venezuelan military facilities and drug trafficking infrastructure, possibly dismantling cartel leadership.
President Trump denied any such plan, saying, “No, that’s not true,” and adding that if he had such plans, he would not discuss them. He added that he doubts a war is forthcoming but acknowledged that Maduro’s time as president may be counted.