Russia, one of President Nicolas Maduro’s staunchest supporters, is reportedly owed billions by the Latin American nation. Russia has said it expects Venezuela to have problems repaying debt ahead of an upcoming payment on a Russian loan.
Russia also has extensive commercial interests in Venezuela, including state oil company Rosneft’s partnership with Petroleos de Venezuela SA, a state company placed under sanctions Monday by the United States.
Putin has dumped tens of billions into Venezuela propping up Maduro and Chavez.
I think this is Russia collecting on the debt.