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Venezuela will receive Russia intelligence, counterintelligence and counterespionage technology, with the ability to intercept communications and collect information from the armed forces of countries, including the United States, warns the Colombian media The New Century.
Vladimir Putin’s government seeks in this way to project power in Latin America, according to security and defense experts Pedro Medellín Torres and Carlos Chacón Monsalve, and the president of the retired Corps of Generals and Admirals of the Military Forces, General (r. ) José Francisco Forero Montealegre
«With the change in the presidency of the United States and Trump’s critical stance towards Venezuela, Russia seeks to consolidate itself as an essential ally of the Nicolás Maduro regime, strengthening its ability to face external pressures and consolidate its sovereignty against the United States and others. neighboring countries,” Chacón assured the aforementioned media outlet.
Chacón assured that sending intelligence material to Venezuela is part of a broader strategy: to maintain its influence in the region. The administration of Nicolás Maduro will see its surveillance and defense capacity reinforced, both inside and outside the country.
«This type of equipment is also often used to repress the opposition.Therefore, it is not surprising that this is a reinforcement of capabilities so that the Maduro regime can avoid mobilizations between now and January, when it must hand over power to Edmundo González,” the expert warned.
For its part, Medellín considers that the action is “heavenly music” for both Venezuela and Russia.
«The Russians are going to give them technologies and weapons and intelligence and counterintelligence equipment. That is, it gives them a protective barrier against the United States (…) The Russians are going to support the Venezuelan dictatorship. “They know that Nicolás Maduro Moros needs a government that supports him militarily and they want to take advantage of that need,” Medellín said.
He added: «With those Venezuela teams can spy on the military forces of all countries. “These teams are like Pegasus, they are useful for everything.”
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**Interview with Security Expert Pedro Medellín Torres on Russian Intelligence Technology in Venezuela**
**Editor:** Welcome, Pedro. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding Russia’s intelligence initiatives in Venezuela.
**Pedro Medellín Torres:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** The reports indicate that Venezuela will receive advanced Russian intelligence technology capable of intercepting communications and gathering information on foreign armed forces. What does this mean for regional security, particularly in the context of U.S.-Venezuela relations?
**Pedro Medellín Torres:** This development is significant. The technology provided by Russia could enhance Venezuela’s capabilities for intelligence gathering, making it a more formidable player in the region. With tensions already high between the U.S. and Venezuela, this could exacerbate the situation, as it gives Venezuela tools to better monitor U.S. military movements and strategies.
**Editor:** You mentioned increased capabilities for Venezuela. How might this affect Russian influence in Latin America?
**Pedro Medellín Torres:** Russia is strategically positioning itself to project power in Latin America, especially with the resurgence of U.S. engagement under new leadership. By bolstering Venezuela’s military and intelligence capabilities, Russia is not just supporting an ally; it’s also undermining U.S. influence in the region. This could pave the way for deeper military and economic ties between Russia and other countries in Latin America as well.
**Editor:** There are concerns about counterintelligence and counterespionage technology being used. What are the implications of this for domestic and international actors?
**Pedro Medellín Torres:** The implications are multifaceted. Domestically, it could strengthen the Venezuelan government’s grip on power by allowing for enhanced surveillance of opposition movements, dissent, and even ordinary citizens. Internationally, it risks escalating espionage activities between not just Venezuela and the U.S., but across the Americas, as neighboring countries might feel compelled to enhance their own intelligence efforts in response.
**Editor:** what steps should countries like Colombia and the U.S. consider to counteract this growing Russian presence in the region?
**Pedro Medellín Torres:** Increased cooperation among allied nations is crucial. Colombia, in particular, must strengthen intelligence-sharing agreements with the U.S. and potentially other Latin American countries. Moreover, diplomatic efforts should be intensified to isolate Venezuela politically, while exploring economic sanctions that could limit the resources available for such military enhancements. We cannot underestimate the importance of a cohesive regional strategy in the face of this evolving threat.
**Editor:** Thank you, Pedro, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Pedro Medellín Torres:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation that certainly warrants continued attention.
