Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has formally requested military support from Russia amid growing tensions with the United States in the Caribbean, The Washington Post reported, citing confidential U.S. government documents.

According to the report, Maduro sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking assistance for the repair of radar systems and military aircraft, as well as the possible delivery of missile systems. The Venezuelan leader also requested expanded cooperation in defense technology to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.

The request comes as the United States intensifies its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, carrying out air and naval operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels. U.S. officials have also discussed potential air strikes on Venezuelan military facilities allegedly linked to narcotics smuggling, though Washington has not confirmed any such plans.

In recent weeks, Maduro has condemned U.S. actions as “provocations” and vowed to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty. The Venezuelan government claims that the U.S. campaign is aimed at destabilizing the country and seizing its natural resources, including oil, gas, and gold reserves.

According to the documents reviewed by The Washington Post, Venezuela has also sought military cooperation from China and Iran. In a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Maduro reportedly requested “expanded military cooperation” to counter what he described as “the escalation between the U.S. and Venezuela.” Venezuelan authorities are also believed to have asked Tehran for assistance in drone technology and radar systems.

The Associated Press reported that Venezuela has mobilized about 15,000 soldiers to coastal and border regions in response to rising tensions. The government says the move is part of a defensive strategy against foreign threats.

Venezuela already possesses Russian-made weaponry, including approximately 5,000 Igla-S portable air defense systems and several Su-30MK2 fighter jets. However, Venezuelan officials say much of the country’s defense equipment requires maintenance and modernization due to years of sanctions and limited access to spare parts.

Maduro maintains close ties with Moscow and Beijing, both of which have criticized U.S. sanctions on Venezuela. The Venezuelan president has repeatedly expressed support for Russia’s stance in global affairs and has accused Washington of pursuing “imperialist aggression” against independent nations.

The situation adds a new layer of complexity to U.S.-Venezuela relations, already strained by years of sanctions, political confrontation, and mutual accusations of interference. While Washington continues to pressure Maduro’s government over alleged corruption and drug trafficking, Caracas insists that it is defending its sovereignty against foreign intervention.

Regional analysts warn that further escalation in the Caribbean could heighten military risks and destabilize nearby countries, particularly if U.S. or Venezuelan forces engage directly at sea or along contested maritime zones.

As both sides strengthen their military positions, the region faces one of its most serious standoffs in recent years, raising concerns about a potential confrontation between Venezuela and the United States. (ILKHA)