"Russian strategic bombers, Tu-160s, have landed in Venezuela. Yes, yes. So that way it hurts Yankees," according to President Hugo Chavez. An outspoken critic of the United States, this is how Chavez sees Venezuela's latest cooperation with Russia. President of Venezuela Chavez himself came to the Libertador Air Base to greet Russian crews. The exercises, the first major maneuvers in the U.S. front yard since the Cold War, are a show of strength by Russia. The planes arrived on September 10 days after Russia and Venezuela announced they would conduct joint naval exercises in the Caribbean later this year.
The Russian navy has announced that some of its ships will visit Venezuela in November and may hold joint exercises in its territorial waters.
A senior Venezuelan naval official said earlier there were plans to hold exercises involving four Russian warships and 1,000 Russian troops.
Confirming a visit would be made, Russia said its ships would include the heavy cruiser Peter the Great.
Anti-submarine planes would also be sent to Venezuela temporarily, it said.
resident Chavez supported Russia's intervention in Georgia last month and has accused Washington of being scared of Moscow's "new world potential".
In his weekly broadcast, Mr Chavez said: "Russia's naval fleet is welcome here. If it's possible, we'll stage an exercise in our Caribbean waters."
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