MOSCOW, Dec 11 (Reuters) - ‌Russian ​President Vladimir ‌Putin spoke to ​Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ‍by phone on Thursday ​and ​reassured ⁠him of Moscow's support for his government's course in the face of growing external ‌pressure, the Kremlin said.

Who is Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro? Here's what to know about the political figure facing scrutiny by the American government.

Maduro has survived predictions and ridicule, but along the way, Venezuela lost millions of inhabitants, 72% of its economy, democratic legitimacy in the eyes of much of the world, and many of its most important international allies.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday held a second meeting in 17 days with the Venezuelan ambassador to Russia, at a time of mounting pressure by U.S. President Donald Trump for the removal of Venezuela's president,

The seizure comes as the United States builds up its forces in the Caribbean as part of a campaign against President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said he had a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump amid escalating tensions over U.S. sanctions and regional security, portraying the exchange as amicable.

Months into a pressure campaign that has seen the US military move thousands of troops and a carrier strike group into the Caribbean and President Donald Trump issue repeated threats against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro,

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Tuesday the country's economy will grow by 9% by the end of 2025, and will likely grow by 7% in 2026.

Anatoly Kurmanev, who has reported extensively from Venezuela for The New York Times, breaks down Maduro’s resilience, opposition moves and potential successors.