Maduro Claims He Has 'Daily and Ongoing Communication' With Russia as U.S. Intensifies Military Deployment in Caribbean

Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro said that his government maintains "daily and ongoing communication" with Russia, including on military matters, as the United States expands its naval presence near the country and intensifies operations against vessels it claims are tied to drug trafficking.

Speaking during his weekly broadcast on state television, Maduro said Caracas and Moscow are "advancing" in what he described as calm but productive military cooperation that "will continue." He added that the two governments are discussing "many developing issues, including the military."

Maduro praised relations with Russia as "model," asserting that President Vladimir Putin has built a framework of "mutual development," as El Debate reports. He said cooperation has also expanded into industry, science, technology, finance, and tourism.

The comments follow confirmation from the Kremlin on Sunday that Moscow remains in contact with Caracas. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told state news agency TASS that Russia is "in contact with our friends in Venezuela" and noted that the countries share "contractual obligations." He did not directly address reporting that Maduro has requested additional military support.

According to leaked documents obtained by The Washington Post last week, Venezuela recently asked Russia for help upgrading defensive radars, repairing Sukhoi fighter jets, obtaining drones and electronic warfare equipment, and potentially acquiring up to 14 missile systems. It remains unclear whether Russia has accepted the proposals.

Maduro said the two governments are "more united than ever" following the ratification of a strategic partnership agreement signed in Moscow in May. Russian officials have described the alignment as important given what they call "unprecedented pressure," including direct military pressure, from the United States.

As Maduro highlights growing cooperation with Moscow, U.S. forces have expanded their deployment in the Caribbean and Pacific. Since September, the United States has carried out more than a dozen deadly strikes on what it says are narcotics-linked vessels, killing more than 60 people. The Pentagon has also deployed major naval assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, to waters near Venezuela.

In a CBS interview aired Sunday, President Donald Trump said he does not believe a war with Venezuela is imminent but maintained that Maduro's "days are numbered."