Unfortunately, these things do not matter. What has Russia done for Venezuela? Sold them some artillery and only recently. Before then, they were not really bosom buddies. He has this thing in his mind that he is a revolutionary and want to be revered like Bolivar, Castro or Guevara. Associating with westerners is akin to the plague. Oh he knows where the money comes from but avoids the association as much as possible.
Mark my words, Chavez's name will be spat upon when he is gone and the mess is left to clean up is completely found.
If you see the term hypocrite in the dictionary, please insert Chavez's picture!
:)