This file photo shows Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Moscow`s solidarity with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government as the United States intensifies military and economic aggression against the South American nation.

Putin made the remarks in a phone call with Maduro on Thursday, reaffirming Moscow`s support for Caracas in the face of escalating US threats, the Kremlin said in a statement.

It noted that the Russian leader expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and endorsed Maduro`s government in its determined defense of national sovereignty and natural resources against foreign interference.

"Vladimir Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reaffirmed support for the course of Nicolas Maduro`s government aimed at the defense of national interests and sovereignty in conditions of growing outside pressure," the Russian president`s press service said.

The conversation came amid growing US aggression, including a major military buildup in the Caribbean and the interception of a Venezuelan oil tanker.

The two leaders discussed deepening bilateral ties under the strategic cooperation treaty they signed back in May, which lays the groundwork for extensive collaboration across trade, the economy, energy, and military-technical fields.

Both sides also confirmed their commitment to implementing joint projects that strengthen Venezuela`s development and reinforce the strategic partnership between the two oil-producing nations.

The US has intensified efforts to push Maduro out, with the administration of American President Donald Trump deploying the region`s biggest military presence in decades near Venezuela`s coast.

It has also carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, killing at least 83 people.