Two Russian military planes landed at Caracas Airport in Venezuela carrying soldiers and equipment on Saturday, March 23 fueling speculation that Moscow is seeking to bolster its presence in the oil-rich, but cash-poor, country.
The move could potentially escalate a standoff between President Nicolas Maduro who is supported by Russia and opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself interim president in January with the support of the US.
On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke on the phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, urging Moscow to “cease its unconstructive behaviour” in Venezuela.
The vice president of Venezuela’s Socialist Party, Diosdado Cabello confirmed the landing of the Russian planes in a speech broadcast on state television saying
The planes from Russia landed in Venezuela because they were authorized by the only government that there is in Venezuela, and it’s called the government of Nicolas Maduro
This is not the first time Russian plane touched down in Venezuela, in December, two Russian planes touched down in Venezuela triggering a war of words been Washington and Moscow.
The US is trying to put pressure on Russia to serve diplomatic ties with Venezuela meanwhile Moscow is doing the opposite.
Picture showing Russian troops gathered on the tarmac of Simón Bolívar International Airport
