Russia has begun sending military equipment and weapons to Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro reportedly reached out to Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran for assistance amid growing fears of a potential U.S. military intervention.
According to flight tracking data and reports from regional media, at least two Russian Il-76 transport aircraft have landed in Venezuela since last week, following complex routes through African airspace to avoid detection. While officials have not disclosed the contents of the shipments, observers believe they likely included spare parts for Venezuela’s aging Su-30 fighter jets, additional air defense systems, and possibly Russian or Wagner Group personnel to assist in operations and training.
Alexei Zhuravlyov, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Defense Committee, confirmed the weapons transfer in an interview, stating, “Russia is one of Venezuela’s key military-technical partners; we supply the country with virtually the entire range of weapons, from small arms to aircraft. Information about the exact volumes and names of what is being sent is classified, so surprises may await the Americans.” He added that there were “no international restrictions” preventing Russia from supplying advanced systems such as the Oreshnik or Kalibr missiles to Venezuela.
Zhuravlyov’s statement comes as the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group continues its deployment toward the Caribbean. Analysts and defense experts have warned that the U.S. presence in the region, coupled with Venezuela’s appeal to its allies, could rapidly escalate tensions.
Reports from Washington indicate that President Donald Trump is considering three potential courses of action: a covert operation aimed at removing or capturing Maduro, limited airstrikes to pressure his government into capitulation, or a full-scale invasion. Should the latter occur, the deployment of the Gerald Ford and its accompanying forces would raise the number of U.S. troops in the Caribbean to roughly 16,000, including 3,000 Marines. Analysts believe that such a force could potentially seize Caracas and secure the country’s vital oil infrastructure if the Maduro government were to collapse.