Putin’s Wagner in Trump's backyard? Il-76 flight sparks fears of direct confrontation in Venezuela

A Russian Il-76 military transport plane linked to the former Wagner Group lands in Caracas after a multi-stop journey, raising speculation about arms deliveries or mercenary movements as US-Venezuela tensions soar; while President Trump sends an aircraft carrier group to the Caribbean and green-lights covert CIA ops against Maduro’s regime, flight records highlight Russia’s escalating involvement—intensifying the geopolitical standoff over Venezuela’s future.