A rotating Russian advisory mission is being led in Venezuela by Colonel General Oleg Leontievich Makarevich, it was revealed for the first time The War Zone. TWZ was the first media to publish the information provided directly by the head of the Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov. This operation, promoted by the Russian Ministry of Defense, is called “Equator Task Force.”
Makarevich is in command of more than 120 troops dedicated to training Nicolás Maduro’s forces. The Russian general provides key training in infantry, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and special forces operations. In addition, the FTE would be providing signals intelligence to Venezuela.
The mission is a long-standing rotation and not a direct response to the increased US military presence in the CaribbeanBudanov told TWZ.
Makarevich, the top commander for the invasion of Ukraine, has been in the country since early 2025, and his deployment appears to have been extended, exceeding the typical six-month rotation.
Colonel General Makarevich is a “controversial Russian general” and his recent record in Ukraine is controversial. He was relieved of his position as commander of the Dnipro Troop Group in October 2023, after Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive in Kherson, an event that was described as a “huge defeat for Russia.” In addition, Makarevich is “accused by Ukraine of ordering the destruction in June 2023 of the Nova Kakhovka dam”, an incident that caused “massive flooding and serious economic and environmental damage.”
Distribution of troops and complaints from activists
According to documents shared by Budanov, around 90 Russian soldiers are located in Caracas, while the rest of the contingent is in strategic installations. These locations include Maracaibo, La Guaira and the remote Isla de Aves. In addition to military training, Russia would be helping Venezuela monitor internal groups and foreign governments.
Added to this information are reports from actors who have warned about this interference. The activist and lawyer Tamara Suju, through her social networks, has maintained the complaint about Russian interference in Venezuelan sovereignty. Although the source is a social media link, its role as a critical voice of these operations has been constant.
The historical reports of Sebastiana Barráez
Journalist Sebastiana Barráez has documented the Russian presence in Venezuela for almost a decadeinvolved in military and intelligence activities. His publications on Infobae have warned for years about Russian military participation in drone operations and incursions into border areas. The Venezuelan regime has not explained the presence of Russian troops in military activities.
An unusual aspect of this situation is the use of the official uniform of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) by foreign soldiers. In September 2019, the presence of almost a hundred Russian citizens wearing the green “Fidelito” uniform was reported in the Military Circle of Caracas and Fuerte Tiuna, carrying service weapons. Testimonies from inhabitants of the border with Colombia, such as those from Táchira in 2019, also described the presence of foreigners, identifying the Russians by their light and reddish skin.
During unusual maneuvers in August 2019 in Rubio, Táchira, the arrival of tanks and about 80 Russians and Cubans at Fort Kinimarí was reported. These foreigners were installing radar equipment and antennas to block telecommunications, and witnesses claimed that the Russians were wearing special protective suits. In October 2020, Russian soldiers, in Venezuelan uniform, participated in joint exercises in the Gran Sabana, Bolívar state, near the border with Brazil.
DW analysis in Spanish on Makarevich and Russian strategy
The DW en Español report delved into the mission, explicitly citing the Ukrainian intelligence report that claims that Russian Colonel General Oleg Makarevich is leading the military mission in Venezuela. The DW report detailed that Makarevich carries out training in advanced tactics, air defense and drone management.
Journalist Ricardo Marquina, interviewed by DW en Español, pointed out that although the report comes from Ukraine and should be seen as part of the communication strategy of a country in conflict, military cooperation and the sending of Russian soldiers for training are one hundred percent credible.
Marquina explained that Makarevich is a “classic product” of the Russian-Soviet army who was separated after the “bitter defeat” of the Russian army in the Kherson region, as a punishment, before being sent to Venezuela.
Political analyst Alexandra Sitenco, also in DW en Español, ruled out that Russia has the capacity or obligation to defend Venezuela militarily in the event of US intervention.
Sitenco argued that Moscow’s main military resources are tied up in Ukraine and that Venezuela is not tied to Russia by any formal military alliance pact. However, limited support through military advice and arms transfers is possible and credible. The Russian strategy is to let Washington “guess” what its objective is, combining political statements with limited actions.
