A number of photos surfaced in local Venezuelan media in September that claimed to show Russian-speaking men wearing Venezuelan military outfits in Caracas.

Speculation of Russian military presence in Venezuela has been ongoing, but proof remains scarce. Based on independent media coverage affirming the transfer of millions of dollars in cash from Russia to Venezuela, however, the presence of Russian military and private military companies in the country would indicate additional, non-monetary support for the Maduro regime.

From as early as September 8, five photos have circulated online, all depicting Caucasian men, some of them wearing a Venezuelan military uniform.