Putin assisting Maduro regime amid ongoing protests over rigged election result

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is turning to his friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, to help him put down opposition to the recent outcome of the presidential election which most outside observers say was rigged.

Maduro’s claim to victory sparked widespread protests that have led to the arrests of 2,200 people, including opposition figures and journalists.

Amid the tension, Putin sent his Baltic Fleetto a port near Caracas as opposition politicians have called on members of the military and security forces to respect the will of the people. The security forces have remained fiercely loyal to Maduro and show no signs of backing down.

VENEZUELA'S MADURO FACES POLITICAL MELTDOWN: RIVALS CLAIM ELECTION 'FRAUD' PROOF, POLICE CRACKDOWN ON PROTESTS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently posted on social media platform X, "Worrying reports of Russian Wagner mercenaries being spotted in Venezuela alongside government forces."

Putin called Maduro to congratulate him on his win and invited him to the next BRICS summit to be held in Russia in October.

MADURO CRACKDOWN ON POLITICAL OPPONENTS FOLLOWING RIGGED ELECTION: 'CHILLED PEOPLE INTO SILENCE'

Analysts say Russia’s intervention in Venezuela’s crisis and the growing links between the two countries is a warning sign for the U.S. as Putin looks to shore up authoritarian allies and oppose U.S. policies in the