The human suffering taking place in Venezuela is difficult to watch, and equally difficult to fathom. After a year which saw a one million percent inflation rate in the country, the hapless Maduro hangs on to power, despite worldwide condemnation. Two countries continue to stand by the dictator, however: China and Russia.

Putin, with his delusions of power, believes he can prevent an overthrow of the communist regime, as evidenced by the arrival of 100 Russian troops in Caracas. According to the Russian foreign ministry, a team has been dispatched to "discuss military cooperation at the request of the government in Caracas." For his part, President Trump has demanded that all Russian troops exit the country, and restated his position that "all options" remain on the table to make that happen.

With Putin involved, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó needs to reinforce his security team. If the recognized leader of the country suddenly falls ill, doctors should immediately check his system for the radioactive substance polonium-210.

This is a battle which Putin and Maduro cannot win—the level of human suffering is too great for the regime to survive much longer. To Putin, however, he sees his involvement as tit-for-tat for America's involvement in places like Ukraine and Syria. Additionally, losing an anti-American ally on the continent will be a very hard pill to swallow.