Russian state defense contractor Rostec, who trained Venezuelan troops and suggested the securing of arms contracts, has cut its staff in Venezuela from about 1,000 to a few dozen at the height of cooperation between Moscow and Caracas several years ago, said a person close to the Russian defense ministry.

Over the last few months, the gradual pull off, which has increased, is due to a lack of new contracts and the acceptance that Mr. Maduro’s regime doesn’t have the cash to continue to pay for other Rostec services connected with past contracts.

Russia has been one of Maduro’s biggest international supporters, but Rostec’s presence shows the boundaries of Russia’s reach in the South American country at a time when Moscow is facing economic difficulties at home because of the impact of the U.S. sanctions. Venezuela has been one of Moscow’s largest customers in South America.

Maduro, who has frequently touted assistance support from Russia and China as a sign that other global powers are willing to assist him in his bitter standoff against the U.S. Russian military support has been central to Mr. Maduro’s pledge to defend Venezuela from any foreign invasion, was setback by Rostec’s withdrawal of permanent and temporary employees.

The inability of his government to pay Rostec also reflects the economic misery holding the country. The Maduro government didn’t respond to a request for comment.