Russia acknowledges its ties with Maduro while Trump warns that 'his days are numbered'

Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, acknowledged this Sunday that Russia keeps "direct contacts" with the Venezuelan dictatorial regime and that there are "various contractual obligations" with Caracas.

The statements were released by the state agency TASS, in response to an inquiry about the alleged military aid request from Nicolás Maduro to Vladimir Putin, revealed by The Washington Post.

Peskov avoided confirming that alleged request, but emphasized that both governments maintain active cooperation in multiple areas. "We are in contact with our friends in Venezuela," he stated.

In May, Russia and Venezuela signed a strategic partnership agreement during Maduro's visit to Moscow, ratified in October by the parliaments of both countries. The pact includes cooperation in energy, mining, transportation, telecommunications, and security, as well as commitments related to the fight against terrorism and extremism.

The Venezuelan arsenal of Russian origin

During his weekly program "Con Maduro+," broadcast by VTV, the Chavista leader asserted that the alliance "is not merely theoretical," highlighting the provision of Russian military equipment.

Venezuela possesses 5,000 Igla-S man-portable missiles and Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter-bombers, considered the most powerful in Latin America. These acquisitions, along with advanced air defense systems, consolidate Caracas as one of Moscow's main military allies in the Western Hemisphere.

The Chavista regime has used its relationship with Russia as support in the face of international pressure and economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.

Trump: "Maduro's days are numbered"

In an interview with CBS, the former president of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that Nicolás Maduro's days "are numbered" and that the advance of his dictatorship "will not be tolerated by the free world."

Trump downplayed the chances of an armed conflict, but warned that the United States will maintain its military presence in the Caribbean to ensure regional security and dismantle criminal networks linked to drug trafficking and Chavismo.

"I doubt it. I don't think so," Trump replied when asked about a possible war. However, he added emphatically: "I would say yes, I believe Maduro's days are numbered."

The Republican leader's statements reinforce the West's position against the influence of Russia, China, and Iran in Latin America, and serve as a clear warning to authoritarian regimes that challenge the region's democratic stability.