Washington: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has raised the possibility of getting military support from Russia to boost the crisis-torn country's defensive capabilities in light of a spat with the United States.

Speaking at an energy forum in Moscow, after he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maduro said his administration would discuss increased military cooperation with the Russian government during his visit this week.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin in Moscow. Credit:AP

"I am sure, even if we do not ask, we will be given even more support to boost Venezuela's defence capacity and sovereignty," he said.

It comes as tensions are running high between Washington and Caracas after US President Donald Trump threatened to use force against the South American nation in addition to sanctions the US enacted after Maduro dismissed his Congress and created a new National Assembly.