Overview
- Putin signed the accord, putting it into effect, according to Russian state media.
- The pact outlines expanded cooperation in energy, mining, transport and security.
- The agreement is described as less far-reaching than Russia’s treaty with North Korea, which includes mutual defense commitments.
- The step follows Maduro’s May visit to Moscow and comes as the U.S. pursues him on drug-trafficking charges with a $50 million bounty.
- U.S. forces have targeted fast boats off Venezuela’s coast, prompting a U.N. call for restraint, while Maduro has claimed thousands of Russian short-range rockets are in place without independent confirmation.