On December 19, the United States imposed sanctions on seven individuals linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The restrictions target relatives of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, who is accused of corruption in the oil company.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for Venezuela, condemning unilateral pressure. This came after US President Donald Trump ordered the blocking of oil tankers to increase pressure on the South American country.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that Donald Trump's statements exposed the true intentions of the United States towards his country, accusing them of seeking to appropriate oil, territories, and other assets. Maduro emphasized that Washington seeks to change the government in Venezuela and gain control over its lands and natural resources.
Oil quotes rose after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade for all sanctioned tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Brent quotes rose by 0.9% to $59.46 per barrel, and American WTI rose by 1% to $55.82.
On December 16, US President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan territorial waters. He accused Venezuela of stealing American assets and declared its government a "foreign terrorist organization."
Trump has added Colombia's largest cocaine cartel, the Clan del Golfo, to the list of terrorist organizations. The US threatens to use "all available means" against such groups in Latin America.
US President Donald Trump has classified fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, giving the government additional powers in the fight against illicit trafficking. This move will allow the US to use military force against drug traffickers, particularly in Venezuela.
The US plans to intercept more vessels carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week. This increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Russian Federation and Belarus have intensified contacts with Nicolas Maduro, while the United States is increasing pressure on Venezuela. Putin confirmed his support for Maduro, and Lukashenka met twice with the Venezuelan ambassador, hinting at possible asylum.
On November 21, Donald Trump, in a phone conversation, gave Nicolas Maduro until November 28 to safely leave Venezuela. The next day, Trump announced the closure of the country's airspace.
US President Donald Trump confirmed a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro but did not provide any details. Trump also commented on his warning about closing Venezuelan airspace, stating that it was not a signal for an airstrike.
Donald Trump addressed airlines, drug traffickers, and human traffickers, urging them to consider the airspace over Venezuela completely closed. The US President had previously not ruled out the possibility of a ground operation and recognized Maduro as a member of a terrorist organization.
US President Donald Trump said that the US would "very soon" start stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers by land. This is a continuation of efforts that already stop about 85% of drug trafficking by sea.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is expanding its powers regarding Venezuela, classifying Nicolás Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization. This will allow for new sanctions and provide the US with expanded military capabilities to strike Venezuelan territory.
In the US, the Trump administration is considering a new phase of actions against the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. The US could launch new operations in the coming days, including covert actions aimed at removing Maduro.
US President Donald Trump said he does not rule out the possibility of a US military ground operation in Venezuela. He also expressed readiness to talk on the phone with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The US Navy's Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group entered the Caribbean Sea on November 16, joining US forces in the region. This comes amid rising tensions and the Trump administration's efforts to combat criminal networks.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 29% of Americans support the elimination of drug suspects by the US military without trial. 51% of respondents oppose such actions, while the rest are undecided.
Tensions between the US and Venezuela are rising due to the redeployment of the aircraft carrier "Gerald Ford" to the shores of South America.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced Russia's constant working contacts with Venezuela. This comes against the backdrop of the US modernizing a military base in the Caribbean and Venezuela's appeal to Russia, China, and Iran for military support.
The US military is upgrading the former Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico and building facilities at civilian airports in Puerto Rico and St. Croix. This indicates preparations for prolonged operations that could support actions in Venezuela.
A Russian military transport aircraft Il-76 landed in Caracas, Venezuela, after a journey from Russia. This aircraft can carry up to 50 tons of cargo and belongs to Aviacon Zitotrans, a company under sanctions.
US President Donald Trump said he does not plan to strike targets in Venezuela used for drug smuggling. He made the statement amid reports that the administration was considering airstrikes.
Donald Trump's media firm, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. , in partnership with Crypto.com, is launching Truth Predict on Truth Social. This product will allow users to bet on future events, such as election results and sports competitions, competing with Kalshi and Polymarket.
A US federal agent offered Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's personal pilot to secretly divert his plane to a location where US special services could arrest him. The pilot was promised a reward for this, but he refused.
Venezuela announced the detention of CIA agents, accusing them of preparing a "false flag attack" to provoke a war with the United States. President Nicolas Maduro's statement came amid the deployment of the US destroyer USS Gravely near Venezuela.
The US continues its war against drug cartels. Yesterday, according to Pete Hegseth, American military destroyed a vessel used by a terrorist organization.
US President Donald Trump threatened Venezuela with a ground operation and the killing of people who supply drugs to the country. This is related to the fight against drug trafficking, the volume of which by sea has decreased to 5%.
The US Navy attacked a vessel in the Caribbean suspected of drug trafficking. Two people survived and were rescued, two others died.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela to remove Nicolas Maduro. The authorization allows for the elimination of top government officials and a wide range of actions in the Caribbean.
