In his message to Putin, Maduro requested the supply of 14 sets of Russian missiles, assistance in repairing Su-20MK2 fighter jets and radars, as well as "logistical support," the details of which have not been disclosed.
The letter was supposed to be delivered through Venezuela's Minister of Transport Ramón Velásquez, who met with the Russian Minister of Transport on October 16. In his address to the Russian president, Maduro emphasized that the fighter jets are critical for deterring potential threats. He also proposed to develop a three-year cooperation plan with the Rostec corporation, although he did not specify the amount of the proposed agreement.
It is unclear how the Russian side responded to this appeal.
According to WP, a similar letter was sent by Maduro to Xi Jinping, in which he called for an expansion of military cooperation to counter the "escalation of relations between the U.S. and Venezuela." This letter also included a request to accelerate the production of Chinese radar systems, possibly intended for Venezuela.
Additionally, documents reviewed by journalists indicate that the Venezuelan Minister of Transport coordinated the supply of military equipment and drones from Iran, informing Iranian officials of the need for GPS signal jammers, passive detection equipment, and drones.
Meanwhile, as reported by the Miami Herald, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to conduct strikes on military facilities in Venezuela, targeting the destruction of bases used by the Cartel de los Soles drug cartel, led by Maduro and his closest allies.
Since the beginning of autumn, the U.S. military has been increasing its presence in the Caribbean, sending guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford to the region. Since September, American forces have already carried out a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of more than 60 people, including off the coast of Venezuela.
