Two Russian military planes landed in Venezuela’s main airport on Saturday carrying dozens of troops and large amounts of equipment. The Russian planes with technical military support came three months after the two nations held joint military exercises. Russia has long been an ally of Venezuela, lending the South American nation billions of dollars and backing its oil industry and military.
The political crisis in Latin American country Venezuela has escalated on Sunday when opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself interim president in January, called on his supporters to prepare to take power in the country.
Due to growing political crisis, Venezuela has experienced economic collapse – inflation was 800,000% last year. Three million people have already left the country.
Russia, which backs President Nicolas Maduro’s government, has previously said it would not allow a US-backed colour
revolution in the country. So, Moscow’s latest military support to Caracas means an open effort to resist possible US interference in Venezuela.
Russia also didn’t waste any time to vocally oppose moves from the US to impose sanctions on the Nicolás Maduro government, the Moscow Times and Sputnik news agency said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday urged his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to “cease its unconstructive behaviour” in Venezuela. He categorically told Russian Foreign Minister that the US and regional countries will not sit idle if Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela.
That means message is clear. What’s most disturbing for White House is that, ties between Moscow and Venezuela have strengthened in recent months while relations between the US and Venezuela have worsened.
On the other hand, Russia has accused Mr Guaidó of an “illegal attempt to seize power” backed by the US. And it openly pledged to do “everything required” to support Mr Maduro. At the same time, Russia has condemned other foreign powers for backing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó.
Earlier, Russia had sent two air force jets there as part of a military exercise in December, which prompted a war of words between Washington and Moscow.
Allegation and counter-allegation between the two power-hungry Venezuelan political leaders is nothing new. Mr Maduro has accused Mr Guaidó of trying to mount a coup against him with the help of “US imperialists”. In fact, the battle between President Maduro and Mr Guaidó is a proxy war between the US and Russian governments.
Moscow is intent on demonstrating the limits of US policy towards Venezuela while the Trump administration is pushing for regime change and the re-establishment of democracy. Russian President Mr Putin’s stance in this regard is crystal clear. He said that Venezuela is Russia’s ally and he is not going to give up this small foothold in Latin America.
A long-standing ally of the Venezuelan authorities, Russia, has already provided the embattled Maduro regime with diplomatic, economic and military support. On contrary, Mr Trump has refused to rule out military action against the Maduro government.
The Venezuelan crisis had begun after Mr Maduro narrowly won a presidential election in April 2013 following the death of his mentor, President Hugo Chávez. He was elected to a second term in May 2018 in an election seen as flawed by international observers.
Mr Guaidó has accused President Maduro of being unfit for office, and won the support of many in the country as well as US and EU leaders.
Mr Maduro bought loyalty of the army but in the face popular opposition he is now being not too sure of army’s support, has invited disgracefully Russian soldiers for his protection in power.
The wife of the opposition met the US President Donald Trump emphasising the miseries of the people and danger to the life of the opposition leader.
The Russian troops are in Venezuela to salvage the pro-Russian stooge and anti-people failed government. But active and effective support is not coming from the US president as yet. President Trump has earned reputation as a weak and indecisive American leadership.
