Two Russian Military Aircraft Landed in the Capital of Venezuela

A Venezuelan official told the Associated Press that two Russian military planes have landed in Caracas as part of "military cooperation" between the two countries. Previously, several media outlets reported on the dispatch of two Russian jets to Venezuela, stating that several defense officials and around a hundred Russian soldiers were also on board these planes. The statements from the Nicolás Maduro government official in an interview with the Associated Press seem to confirm reports published in the past two days. A journalist from Agence France-Presse reported seeing an aircraft at Maiquetía airport adorned with the Russian flag, which was being guarded by members of the Venezuelan National Guard. Images of one of the planes have been shared on social media. The Venezuelan official, whose name was not disclosed by the Associated Press, stated that the presence of Russian military forces is "for training, repairs, and inspections of equipment and strategic matters." This is not the first time Russia has reportedly sent military aircraft to Venezuela. Last December, the Russian Ministry of Defense officially announced that two Tu-160 bombers had landed at an airport near Caracas, an action that was said at the time not to be considered a routine military operation. The Tu-160 is a supersonic strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The Organization of American States issued a statement in response to the deployment of the bombers, stating that this issue has caused "the deepest concern" for the organization. A few days later, these aircraft returned to Russia. The release of new reports regarding "military cooperation" comes at a time when protests against Nicolás Maduro's government have entered a new phase following Juan Guaidó, the President of the Venezuelan Parliament, declaring himself the interim president of the country. Russia continues to support Maduro's presidency, alongside several other countries such as Iran, Turkey, and China. However, the United States and more than 50 other countries have recognized Guaidó's interim presidency and are calling for elections in this Latin American country. Russia has also provided significant financial support to Nicolás Maduro's government, with companies like Rosneft owning gas fields and energy resources in Venezuela. Igor Sechin, the head of the state-owned Rosneft, has personally met with Maduro in Moscow and has traveled to Caracas as well. According to some reports, Venezuela owed more than $3 billion to Rosneft by the end of last year. Recently, the United States sanctioned a Russian bank due to its ties with the Venezuelan government and the U.S. Treasury Department has warned against foreign financial institutions that seek to cooperate with Maduro's government.