Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin for military support as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Caribbean, according to a report from The Washington Post, which cited U.S. government documents it acquired.

The report indicates that Maduro is seeking assistance to enhance Venezuela’s air defense capabilities. His request includes the provision of 14 missile systems and the refurbishment of several Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets that Venezuela previously bought from Russia.

Additionally, he has asked for repairs on eight engines and five radar systems, as well as unspecified logistical aid.

Maduro’s written request was conveyed to Putin by Venezuelan Transportation Minister Ramón Celestino Velásquez during a trip to Moscow in mid-October, where he met with his Russian counterpart, according to the documents.

The letter reportedly characterized the Su-30 jets as “the most significant deterrent the Venezuelan National Government had in the face of the threat of war.”

Maduro also proposed a “medium-term financing strategy lasting three years” through the Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec, although he did not specify the financial amount involved.

It is still uncertain whether Russia has provided a response to this request, The Washington Post noted.

Venezuela ranks among Russia’s closest allies in South America, with relations between Caracas and Moscow deepening during the presidency of the late socialist leader Hugo Chávez.

This year, Putin and Maduro signed a strategic partnership agreement in Moscow, which is part of a broader pattern of alliances that Russia has been developing since the comprehensive invasion of Ukraine.

However, observers cited by The Washington Post have suggested that Moscow, preoccupied with the conflict in Ukraine and focused on solidifying relations with other regional partners, may have limited capacity or inclination to assist Caracas if the U.S. were to initiate a large-scale operation in Venezuela.