Overview
- U.S. forces have expanded operations around Venezuela, redirecting the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group and striking suspected drug‑trafficking boats, while President Trump has sent mixed signals about potential land strikes.
- In documents reported by The Washington Post, Nicolás Maduro asked Vladimir Putin for assistance to restore Sukhoi warplanes, upgrade air defenses, and secure missiles, reflecting a push for new Russian support.
- Flight‑tracking data showed a Russian Il‑76 transport arriving in Caracas in late October after a circuitous route, though what it carried remains unknown.
- Russia publicly affirmed support for Venezuela on November 1, with the Foreign Ministry denouncing excessive force in U.S. anti‑drug operations and saying it was ready to react to Caracas’s requests.
- Energy analysts warn that a widened campaign could disrupt export terminals and upgraders, tightening heavy‑sour supplies, lifting diesel prices, and, in a regime‑change scenario, leaving Venezuela’s oil sector needing 12–18 months and major capital to recover.