Viacheslav Chernobrovin/iStock/Getty Images PlusAs the United States blows Venezuelan boats out of the water, the Nicolás Maduro regime is jumping into the open arms of the Russians. For what it’s worth, the Maduro government denies ties to either Cartel of the Suns or Tren de Aragua. As for the new agreement, Russian state-controlled news outlet Sputnik reported Friday that it will boost cooperation on energy, space and technology, infrastructure, industry, diplomacy, and military matters. The two countries are also looking to expand acceptance of the MIR payment system [Russia’s national card-payment system] in Venezuela. As for diplomatic ramifications, “Russia and Venezuela have each other’s backs at the UN, resisting Western pressure and building a multipolar world,” Russian media reports.