Russia Proposes Military Support for Venezuela Amid U.S. Tensions

Alexei Zhuravlev, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, revealed that Russia is considering supplying Venezuela with advanced military systems, including the Oreshnik complex. Zhuravlev emphasized that there are no obstacles to providing arms to a friendly nation like Venezuela, highlighting Russia’s role as its key military-technical partner.

He noted that Russia supplies a comprehensive range of military equipment to Venezuela, from small arms to aviation, stating, “Americans may be in for surprises” regarding the specifics of these supplies, which remain classified. Zhuravlev pointed out that the backbone of the Venezuelan Air Force consists of Russian Su-30MK2 fighters, positioning Venezuela as a significant aviation power in the region. He also mentioned the delivery of S-300VM (Antey-2500) systems and the recent transfer of Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M2E systems, all facilitated by Il-76 aircraft.

According to previous reports from the Washington Post, Venezuela has requested additional military support from Moscow, including 14 air defense missile systems, repairs and refurbishment for Su-30MK2 fighter jets, the overhaul of eight engines, and maintenance for five radar systems, alongside logistical assistance. Venezuela has sought increased military cooperation with China and Iran, looking for supplies of detection equipment, GPS jammers, and long-range drones.

U.S. military activity in the region has escalated since August, with the Trump administration deploying a significant force to the southern Caribbean to combat drug cartels. Currently, this contingent includes 16,000 servicemen, eight surface ships, a nuclear submarine, a B-52 strategic bomber, and F-35 fighter jets. The U.S. Navy has reportedly struck 16 vessels engaged in drug trafficking since early September.

Simultaneously, the U.S. continues to exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. In early September, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the possibility of using military resources to facilitate the overthrow of Maduro’s government, which the U.S. accuses of ties to drug cartels. A reward of $50 million has been offered for information leading to Maduro’s apprehension.

The Trump administration is reportedly exploring three military intervention scenarios aimed at ousting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, according to sources from the Pentagon and White House, as reported by The New York Times.

The first scenario involves conducting a series of airstrikes on essential military bases and arsenals to weaken the army’s loyalty to the Maduro regime. The second option entails a covert operation by Navy SEALs to capture or eliminate the president. The third scenario includes deploying counterterrorism units to secure airports, oil fields, and other critical infrastructure.

These plans are being developed alongside a buildup of American naval forces in the Caribbean, coinciding with Maduro’s continued refusal to engage in negotiations. The final decision on these military options rests with President Trump.