The battle for affect between the US and Russia


Russia has lengthy been an ally of Venezuela — lending the Latin American nation billions of and backing its oil trade and navy.

Moscow and Caracas have sought to enhance diplomatic relations in latest months, at a time when ties between the U.S. and Venezuela have dramatically deteriorated.

On Saturday, Javier Mayorca, a Venezuelan journalist, stated on Twitter that he had seen a Russian air power Antonov AN-124 cargo aircraft and a smaller jet land close to the capital metropolis.

Photos on social media additionally appeared to indicate Russian troops gathered on the tarmac of the general public airport.

The Russian planes over the weekend are usually not the primary to reach in Venezuela in latest months.

In December, two Russian planes touched down in Venezuela, once more triggering a confrontation been Washington and Moscow. Russia and Venezuela have additionally held joint navy workout routines in latest weeks.

The U.S. has sought to ratchet up the stress on Russia to sever its diplomatic, financial and navy ties with Venezuela, however to no avail.

President Donald Trump has persistently refused to rule out the prospect of navy intervention in Venezuela and the nation’s opposition chief, Juan Guaido, has beforehand referred to as on the worldwide neighborhood to “hold all choices open.”