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Venezuela - Russia Relations

"Frankly, if the US decides to overthrow Maduro, Russia won't be able to do anything beyond diplomatic measures," says Mark Galeotti, Emeritus Professor at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London , who specializes in Russia-related security issues. Russia's war against Ukraine "effectively rules out the possibility of deploying Russian troops to Venezuela in the event of US intervention," says Berlin-based political scientist Alexandra Sitenko . "However, limited support cannot be ruled out: Russia could provide weapons, air defense systems, or assistance in intelligence gathering."

The fall of the Maduro regime would be a serious blow to Moscow. It could potentially deprive the Kremlin of a key base in Latin America, repeating the scenario of Bashar al-Assad's ouster in Syria in December 2024, which weakened the Kremlin's influence in the Middle East. Moscow may view growing US pressure on Venezuela as a distraction from Ukraine, making it less likely to put further pressure on Russia to end the invasion.

The Kremlin might even see a silver lining in Maduro's departure if the US forces him out of power. "In a perverse sense... Moscow would benefit from such an operation, as it would reinforce its claim that the West, not Russia, is the enemy of the Global South: arrogant, brutal, and imperialistic," Galeotti told Radio Liberty. "Ultimately, Russia is still capable of finding allies and clients in the Global South, whether out of conviction or—more often—pragmatic reasons, but it always uses Western adventurism to drive home its point that the liberal world order is simply a scam aimed at subordinating the world to Western interests."

On 27 October 2025, Russia ratified a strategic partnership agreement with Venezuela. Russian support for Venezuela includes political and military cooperation, as well as large-scale financial aid, loans, and military-technical assistance.Russia supports Nicolás Maduro's government, including internationally, accusing the United States of interference. This support comes amid the ongoing political and economic crisis in the country. Latin America is perceived in the United States as its "backyard."

Under President Hugo Chávez, Venezuela purchased Russian weapons en masse, and he regularly visited Moscow to sign new contracts. During this period, Caracas became the largest buyer of Russian weapons in Latin America. In September 2009, the Kremlin granted its ally a $2.2 billion loan, which was planned for the purchase of 92 T-72 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and Smerch rocket systems. That same year, Chávez announced the delivery of thousands of Russian missiles and launchers. These were presumably Igla-S man-portable air defense systems.

On 01 November 2025, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow condemns "the use of excessive military force in anti-drug operations" and "reaffirms our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending its national sovereignty." Two days earlier, Zakharova stated that Russia "is in contact with its partners" and "is ready to continue to respond appropriately to their requests, taking into account existing and potential threats."

Russia supports Nicolás Maduro and accuses the United States of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. Russia also opposes sanctions and seeks allies among other countries in Latin America and internationally. Russia has provided Venezuela with billions of dollars in financial aid and loans. Russia and Venezuela cooperate in oil production, which is an important element of their economic relations. Russia is a military ally of Venezuela, supplying it with weapons and providing military-technical assistance. There have been instances of show of force, such as sending two Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela.

• Readiness to respond to requests: The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed Moscow's readiness to "respond appropriately" to Caracas' requests for military assistance, taking into account existing and potential threats.
• Military-technical cooperation: Venezuela has requested assistance from Russia, including repairs to Russian-made fighter jets, modernization of radar systems, and the supply of new missiles.
• Equipment Supplies: Venezuela reportedly possesses over 5,000 Russian Igla-S man-portable air defense systems deployed throughout the country. In July 2025, the foundation stone for a munitions factory in Venezuela was laid.
• Plane Arrivals: A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane, which is under US sanctions, recently arrived in Caracas after flying over Western airspace.
• Joint exercises and cooperation: The countries agreed to strengthen their military partnership.
• The possibility of deploying Russian hypersonic missiles in Venezuela was also discussed if tensions with the United States escalate.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro asked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for assistance due to the threat posed by the United States. According to the documents, Maduro requested missiles, radars, and upgraded aircraft from Russia. The letter to the Russian leader was sent in connection with the buildup of US forces in the Caribbean region. According to the Washington Post, the Venezuelan leader also appealed to China and Iran for assistance , noting his country's need for military aid and equipment. Military Watch Magazine suggested that Caracas could have been expecting a wide range of systems, including Varshavyanka-class submarines, Buyan-M or Karakurt corvettes, Kh-32 cruise missiles, Bastion coastal defense systems, and Su-30 fighter jets.

In the event of a military conflict between the United States and Venezuela, Russia will provide support to the republic to the extent possible, in accordance with the signed agreement, according to Alexey Chepa , First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, who shared his opinion with Lenta.ru 01 Novembe 2025.

"We signed an agreement. Our president is different from most world leaders in that he keeps his word. (…) We will, of course, provide assistance within the framework of our agreement, but there's a war going on. We're fighting the entire NATO bloc , and every ruble invested, every shell produced, is crucial for us. We will provide assistance to the best of our ability," Chepa said.

It's very difficult for Russia to transport weapons over such distances. Furthermore, if serious military action breaks out, the Americans will impose a naval and air blockade on Venezuela, and how and what to bring in will be a very big question. Moscow could become involved in resolving the US-Venezuela conflict at the diplomatic level, but there are currently no grounds for this.

According to flight tracking website FlightData24, a large Russian Il-76 transport aircraft arrived in Caracas in late October 2025, flying a circuitous route with several stops. It's unclear what the aircraft was carrying.according to flight tracking website FlightData24, a large Russian Il-76 transport aircraft arrived in Caracas in late October, flying a circuitous route with several stops. It's unclear what the aircraft was carrying. Russian sources speculate it may have been carrying air defense systems such as the Pantsir-S1.