In A Blow To Maduro Russia Withdraws Key Defense Support To Venezuela

(Wall Street Journal) Thomas Grove June 2 2019 10:47 a.m. MOSCOWRussia has withdrawn key defense advisers from Venezuela an embarrassment for President Nicols Maduro as Moscow weighs the leaders political and economic resilience against growing U.S. pressure. Russian state defense contractor Rostec which has trained Venezuelan troops and advised on securing arms contracts has cut its staff in Venezuela to just a few dozen from about 1000 at the height of cooperation between Moscow and Caracas several years ago said a person close to the Russian defense ministry. The gradual pullout which has escalated over the last several months according to people familiar with the situation is due to a lack of new contracts and the acceptance that Mr. Maduros regime no longer has the cash to continue to pay for other Rostec services associated with past contracts. Russia has been among Mr. Maduros biggest international supporters but the winding down of Rostecs presence shows the limits of Russias reach in the South American country at a time when Moscow is facing economic difficultiesin part due to the impact of U.S. sanctionsat home. Venezuela has been one of Moscows largest customers in South America. Rostecs withdrawal of permanent and temporary employees is a major setback for Mr. Maduro who has frequently touted assistance support from Russia and China as a sign that other global powers are willing to assist him in his bitter standoff against the U.S. Russian military support has been central to Mr. Maduros pledge to defend Venezuela from any foreign invasion. His governments inability to pay Rostec also reflects the economic calamity gripping the country. The Maduro government didnt respond to a request for comment.