The Kremlin responded to Maduro’s request: a Russian IL-76 transport plane associated with Wagner arrived in Venezuela
Ілюстративне фото: Вікіпедія
A Russian Il-76 military transport plane, which is on international sanctions lists, has arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. The flight may indicate Moscow’s attempt to strengthen military cooperation with the government of Nicolas Maduro.
This is reported by Defense News .
The Russian Il-76, with tail number RA-78765, landed in Caracas after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro requested military assistance from Russia, China and Iran, a move in response to increased US military activity in the Caribbean region.
The plane belongs to Aviacon Zitotrans, a company with six transport vessels and under sanctions by the US, Canada and Ukraine for its ties to Russian military structures. The planes were previously used to transport weapons, equipment and mercenaries for the Wagner group.
According to journalists, Maduro’s letter to Vladimir Putin contains a request to provide Venezuela with defense radars, modernize aircraft, and provide the country with missile systems. The president also proposed implementing a three-year financing plan through the Rostec corporation.
In addition, Caracas seeks to purchase modern radar systems from China, and from Iran, strike drones with a range of up to a thousand kilometers and GPS jamming systems.
The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of an escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela, caused by the policies of the Maduro regime. Washington accuses the Venezuelan authorities of supporting drug cartels that supply drugs to the United States.
The United States has significantly increased its naval presence in the Caribbean , deploying the USS Iwo Jima and USS Gravely close to the coast of Venezuela. Satellite imagery confirms that the ships are within striking distance of key military facilities in the country.
Recall that the administration of US President Donald Trump has identified military facilities in Venezuela that, according to it, are used for drug smuggling, and is considering options for air strikes on them .
Earlier, United States President Donald Trump announced his intention to launch a ground operation by the US military in Venezuela . The main goal, he said, is to combat drug trafficking, which, despite the reduction in maritime supplies, remains a significant problem for the United States.
Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , Twitter , Telegram , and Instagram .