Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in another proxy war. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia confirmed that the government is sending flights to Venezuela to remove nationals immediately.
Tourism from Russia to Venezuela has grown in recent years, with over 6,000 Russians visiting Margarita Island between August and November this year.
Moscow provided Caracas with two nuclear-style bombers to deter US aggression in 2018, and although the alliance remains strong, Moscow is keenly focused on its own war right now. Moscow provided the nation with two oil tankers to provide crude to China, but has offered nothing else. In October 2025, Maduro asked Russia to help Venezuela build its air defense system, specifically asking for 14 missile sets, restoration of Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets, and an upgrade to 8 engines and 5 radars. Russian officials denied the request.
Putin said he is confident that Maduro “will navigate all challenges with dignity and protect its legitimate interests during these tumultuous times.” Maduro took to the state-controlled airwaves in November 2025 to read letters that China’s Xi Jinping and Putin sent him for his birthday. Putin basically said, “Good luck and figure it out,” but Xi had stronger words. “China reiterates its categorical rejection of external forces interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext and will continue to firmly support, as always, Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, national security, national dignity, and stability,” his letter noted.
Venezuela is on its own.