As U.S. ramps up pressure, Venezuela pleads with Moscow for help

News Snapshot:

In a letter meant for the eyes of Russia’s leader, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made multiple requests this month. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration was targeting ships off the South American coast and rattling sabers in Washington. Venezuela needed President Vladimir Putin’s help. The asks included overhauls of defensive radars, military aircraft repairs and potentially missiles, according to internal U.S. government documents obtained by The Washington Post. The Venezuelan government, according to the documents, is also reaching out to China and Iran, soliciting military assistance and equipment to strengthen the country’s defenses. Maduro composed a letter to Chinese President Xi...