Amid rising security tensions in Venezuela, Ukrainian journalist and serviceman Andriy Tsaplienko drew attention to the role of Russia’s military presence there and the fate of its commander, Gen. Oleg Makarevich. Kyiv accuses Makarevich of war crimes, and he is now said to be coordinating the activities of more than 100 Russian troops in Latin America.
“Very interesting what happened to Gen. Oleg Makarevich, a war criminal who headed a contingent of 120 Russian troops in Venezuela?” Tsaplienko wrote on his Telegram channel.
The presence of Russian forces in Venezuela and the identity of their commander had earlier been addressed by the then-head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence directorate (GUR), Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov. He said Russia is not only maintaining its military contingent in the region but was gradually deepening cooperation with the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
According to Budanov, more than 120 Russian service members were in Venezuela in late November, led by Col. Gen. Oleg Makarevich - the commander of the Russian Defense Ministry’s so-called Equator operational group. He said Makarevich is responsible for organizing and conducting training for Venezuela’s security forces.
“They act as military advisers and instructors. This includes training for infantry, special units, UAV operators, as well as work with intelligence and communications,” Budanov said.
Budanov also noted that rotations of Russian troops in the Latin American country have been ongoing for many years and are not a situational response to any potential increase in the U.S. military presence in the region. He said this reflects the Kremlin’s long-term strategy to preserve influence beyond Europe.
Most of the Russian contingent - including Makarevich and roughly 90 personnel - is based in the capital, Caracas. Other units are deployed at military and infrastructure sites in Maracaibo, La Guaira and on Aves Island.
The head of Ukraine’s military intelligence also suggested Russian troops would remain in Venezuela even in the event of a U.S. military operation. In his view, Moscow would seek direct talks with Washington and use its military presence as both a political and military lever.
“During Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Makarevich commanded the Dnipro grouping of forces. It was Makarevich who in June 2023 organized the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant - a crime that caused significant humanitarian, environmental and economic damage to Ukraine,” Ukraine’s GUR said in its publication.
On January 3, Ukrainian outlet Focus reported the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela. That day, explosions were heard in Caracas following strikes on strategic facilities.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the United States had committed “an act of armed aggression” against Venezuela, expressing deep concern and condemning Washington’s actions.
