As the United States deployed warships and submarines to the Caribbean and escalated strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats in recent months, President Nicolás Maduro appealed to a powerful friend: Russia.,,,,,,,,
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. MARCELO GARCIA / VENEZUELAN PRESIDENCY / AFP As the United States deployed warships and submarines to the Caribbean and escalated strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats in recent months, President Nicolás Maduro appealed to a powerful friend: Russia. Even as he went on television in October vowing that Venezuelans were ready to “defeat this open conspiracy against the peace and stability” of their country, Maduro reportedly sent a letter to President Vladimir Putin requesting missiles and help in repairing Russian-made fighter jets. Former U.S. officials and regional analysts who spoke to The Moscow Times said the reported letter reflected how cornered the Venezuelan leader has become. But they added that leaning on Moscow in a potential confrontation with Washington was unlikely to succeed. And if President Donald Trump, as many believe, is seeking to force Maduro from p...