Russia Signals It May Supply Hypersonic Oreshnik Missiles to Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions with the US

Russia may transfer hypersonic Oreshnik missiles to Venezuela

Russia has indicated it could provide some of its most advanced hypersonic weapons to Venezuela as relations with the United States grow increasingly strained. Russian officials say the Oreshnik missile is extremely difficult to intercept and can be armed with either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Alexei Zhuravlyov, deputy chairman of Russia’s parliamentary defence committee, opened the door to a weapons transfer, warning that “the Americans may be in for some surprises.” He told the Russian news site Gazeta.Ru, “I see no obstacles to supplying a friendly country with new developments such as the Oreshnik or, let’s say, the well-proven Kalibr missiles.”

“I see no obstacles to supplying a friendly country with new developments such as the Oreshnik or, let’s say, the well-proven Kalibr missiles.” — Alexei Zhuravlyov

Moscow says the Oreshnik — a name that translates as “hazel tree” — can strike targets across the European continent in under an hour if launched from Russian or Belarusian territory. President Vladimir Putin has asserted that using several Oreshniks with conventional warheads in a single strike would produce devastation comparable to a nuclear attack.

Russian officials reported the Oreshnik’s first combat use in November 2024, when it struck the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The Kremlin described that strike as retaliation for Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons supplied by the US and UK, including Storm Shadow missiles.

Venezuela's request and wider geopolitical context

According to reporting by The Washington Post, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro personally appealed to President Putin for military assistance amid an increased US military presence in the Caribbean. Mr. Maduro reportedly asked Moscow to restore Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters already in Venezuela’s inventory and to supply 14 sets of air-defence missiles. In a letter to Mr. Putin, he described the Sukhoi fighters as “the most important deterrent the Venezuelan national government had when facing the threat of war.”

Caracas has also reportedly engaged China and Iran as it seeks to upgrade military capabilities and broaden defensive partnerships.

US activity in the region and international reactions

The United States has increased military deployments in the Caribbean in recent months, sending fighter jets, warships, bombers, marines, drones and surveillance aircraft. The White House has framed the buildup as necessary to disrupt the flow of narcotics bound for the US. More than a dozen US strikes on suspected traffickers — many alleged to have departed from Venezuelan shores — have reportedly resulted in over 60 deaths since September.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry, said Moscow condemns what it called “the use of excessive military force in carrying out anti-drug tasks” and reiterated Russia’s “firm support” for Venezuela’s government.

Longer-term ties and other Russian weapons developments

Russia and Venezuela have cultivated close relations over the past two decades and signed a strategic partnership treaty in Moscow last year. Mr. Zhuravlyov described Russia as “one of Venezuela’s key military-technical partners,” saying it “supplies the country with almost the full range of weaponry.”

Separately, President Putin announced that the Sarmat intercontinental heavy missile — nicknamed “Satan II” — is scheduled to enter Russia’s combat service from next year. Russian officials have promoted the Sarmat as one of the country’s most powerful nuclear-capable weapons.

Note on sourcing: This article summarizes statements by Russian officials and reporting from outlets including Gazeta.Ru and The Washington Post. Claims about the capabilities of the Oreshnik reflect Moscow's assertions and have not been independently verified here.