Overview
- Russia said Putin expressed solidarity with Venezuelans and endorsed Maduro’s policies to safeguard national sovereignty against external pressure.
- Both leaders reaffirmed continued execution of joint projects spanning the commercial, economic, energy, financial, cultural and humanitarian fields.
- The conversation marked their first direct contact since tensions with Washington intensified in recent months.
- The strategic partnership and cooperation agreement signed in May took effect in November, providing the framework for expanded bilateral work.
- Moscow has denied reports that Caracas formally requested Russian missiles, aircraft or air-defense batteries, as the U.S. boosts naval forces in the southern Caribbean including the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group.