Russia Claims Supply Of Air Protection Programs To Venezuela – Armed Forces Press

Russia has claimed it delivered Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M2 air defense systems to Venezuela and is reportedly considering sending its new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, raising concerns of a potential standoff with the United States.

First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Defense Committee, Alexei Zhuravlyov, spoke about the deliveries Tuesday, saying they were sent in response to Western pressure, though this has not been independently verified. The announcement follows the reported arrival in Venezuela of a Russian Il-76 cargo plane operated by the government-affiliated airline Aviacon Zitotrans.

The reported delivery also comes after Venezuela requested military aid from Russia amid rising tensions in the Caribbean and U.S. strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

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