Maduro Claims Venezuela Has a 'Very Fruitful' Relation With Russia Amid Reported Requests Of Military Support

Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro said the country has a very "serene and fruitful" military relation amid reports noting that Caracas requested equipment from Moscow.

Asked about conversations between the countries following "threats" from the U.S., Maduro said the regime has "daily and permanent communication" with its counterpart about "many topics," including military cooperation.

"Russia is a world power, but is able to establish relations of equality, of respect and cooperation with countries like Venezuela," Maduro said. "The relationship with Russia is a model one, because the Russians, with president Putin at the lead, have built a model of respect to international law and cooperation for mutual development. They don't come with imperialistic ambitions," he added during a passage of his weekly TV show, "With maduro".

The Kremlin, on its end, has confirmed that it remains in contact with 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.