• Col. Gen. Oleg Makarevich reportedly commands 120 Russian troops in long-standing rotation

• Mission involves training Venezuelan forces in drone warfare and signals intelligence

• Presence described as separate from recent U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean

KYIV, Ukraine (TDR) — A prominent Russian general is currently stationed in Venezuela leading a military advisory mission, according to new intelligence released by Ukrainian officials. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), stated that Colonel General Oleg Leontievich Makarevich is commanding the “Equator Task Force”, a Russian Ministry of Defense unit comprised of approximately 120 personnel.

A Long-Standing Presence

The revelation comes amid heightened tensions in the region, though intelligence officials emphasize that the Russian presence is not a direct response to recent American maneuvers. According to the reports, Makarevich has been in the South American nation since the beginning of 2025, overseeing a rotational advisory mission that has existed for years.

“The deployment of Russian troops to Venezuela is a long-standing rotation,” Budanov explained, noting that his agency has not detected a surge in Russian troop levels despite the geopolitical friction. The Russian unit is reportedly headquartered in Caracas, with additional personnel stationed at facilities in Maracaibo, La Guaira, and Aves Island.

Specialized Training Operations

The primary objective of the “Equator Task Force” appears to be technical training and support. Intelligence documents suggest the Russian troops are instructing their Venezuelan counterparts in various combat disciplines, including the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and first-person view (FPV) drones. The curriculum also reportedly covers infantry tactics, special forces operations, and the use of armored assets.

“I think they will be behind the scenes and officially Russia will try to speak to the U.S. because their units are in Venezuela. It’s just a game.” — Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate

Beyond combat training, the mission involves significant support for intelligence gathering. Russian specialists are allegedly assisting Venezuelan security services with signals intelligence and communications, enhancing the regime’s ability to monitor both domestic groups and foreign governments.

Makarevich’s Background

The appointment of Makarevich to this post has drawn attention due to his previous role in the Ukraine conflict. The 62-year-old general formerly commanded Russia’s “Dnipro Group” of forces but was removed from that position in October 2023 following successful Ukrainian counteroffensives in Kherson. Ukrainian officials have also accused him of ordering the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in June 2023, an event that caused catastrophic flooding.

Context of Regional Tensions

The disclosure of Makarevich’s role coincides with a significant increase in U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. The United States has recently deployed naval assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the region as part of “Operation Southern Spear.” While Washington frames these moves as counter-narcotics efforts, they have been widely interpreted as a pressure campaign against the government of Nicolás Maduro.

Despite the proximity of these opposing forces, Budanov suggests the Russian contingent is unlikely to engage directly. Instead, their presence serves as a strategic tripwire, allowing Moscow to maintain a diplomatic foothold and leverage in its relations with Washington. The typical six-month rotation for Russian commanders appears to have been extended for Makarevich, signaling a desire for continuity during this volatile period.

How does the presence of rival military powers in the Caribbean impact the stability of South American diplomatic relations?