Venezuela has reportedly sought military assistance from Russia, China, and Iran to bolster its defenses amid escalating tensions with the United States. According to US government documents cited by The Washington Post, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has requested various military equipment and support from the three nations.
Maduro allegedly sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping requesting radar detectors, citing the “escalation” with the US. Additionally, Venezuela has asked Iran to provide radar-jamming equipment and drones capable of flying up to 1,000 kilometers. The country has also requested unspecified missiles and assistance in repairing Su-30MK2 fighter jets and radar systems from Russia.
The requests come as tensions between Venezuela and the US continue to rise. US President Donald Trump has accused Maduro of operating “macroterrorist” cartels that smuggle drugs into the US and has offered a bounty for his arrest. In response, Washington has deployed a naval armada in the western Caribbean and carried out strikes against alleged cartel vessels. Maduro has denied the allegations, accusing Trump of “fabricating a new war.”
Russia has recently ratified a strategic partnership treaty with Venezuela, signed in May, and has expressed support for the country’s defense of its national sovereignty. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow will help Venezuela “overcome any threats, regardless of where they come from.”
The development highlights the deepening rift between Venezuela and the US, with the former seeking support from other nations to counter the latter’s pressure. The situation remains uncertain, with no clear indication of how Russia, China, or Iran will respond to Venezuela’s requests. As the standoff continues, the international community is watching closely, with potential implications for regional stability and global geopolitics.