It’s no secret that President Trump wants illegitimate Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro out. But as the Trump administration pressures Maduro’s regime and continues to back opposition leader Juan Guaido, Russia has successfully positioned itself as a roadblock to Washington-backed regime change.

And if existing shadowy ties between the Moscow and Caracas weren’t already a serious concern for Washington, the two Russian air force planes that touched down in Caracas over the weekend certainly are.