US Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes it is too early to discuss holding elections in Venezuela. He noted that the US oil embargo on Venezuela will remain, and American troops could land.
Leonardo DiCaprio missed the Palm Springs International Film Festival due to travel restrictions caused by US airstrikes in Venezuela. The actor was supposed to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his role in the film "One Battle After Another," but accepted it via video link.
OPEC+ agreed to maintain stable oil production, despite an 18% price drop in 2025 and tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Eight countries raised their production targets by 2.9 million barrels per day from April to December 2025.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take on a leading role in governing Venezuela. This happened after Nicolás Maduro was captured by Delta Force operatives with the support of the FBI.
A US operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians. US military aircraft struck radar and air defense batteries, and helicopters with special forces came under fire.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys recalled that Nicolás Maduro's regime supported Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Lithuania did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
The agents gathered detailed information about Maduro's residence, movements, habits, diet, and clothing.
Protests against President Donald Trump's military operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro took place in the United States. In major cities such as Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, crowds of up to 100 people marched, chanting anti-war slogans.
The US has lifted restrictions on flights in Caribbean airspace, imposed after overnight strikes on Venezuela. Airlines have already begun to resume flights, but full stabilization is expected in a few days.
Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the powers of head of state. This happened after the detention of Nicolás Maduro by American special services.
Trump stated that he is not considering a military operation against Cuba, as the communist regime on the island is on the verge of collapse. He noted that Cuba has depended for decades on Venezuelan oil and financial support, which will cease after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Delcy Rodríguez called Nicolás Maduro the "only" legitimate president of the country. She called for his immediate release and emphasized Venezuela's sovereignty, rejecting US statements about its intention to govern the country.
The Trump administration justifies the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the 1989 US invasion of Panama, citing a legal opinion on the president's authority to involve the FBI in arresting individuals, even if it violates international law. However, experts consider this a gross violation of the UN Charter.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas reacted to the events in Venezuela, where the government of Nicolas Maduro was overthrown. The EU calls for restraint, emphasizing adherence to international law and the protection of EU citizens.
María Machado addressed her compatriots after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. She stated that Maduro will face international justice for his crimes and called for Edmundo González to be recognized as the legitimate president.
Donald Trump posted a photo of Nicolas Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima after his detention by US special forces. Maduro will face trial in the US on charges of narco-terrorism and illegal arms trafficking.
US President Donald Trump stated that Washington is making decisions regarding Venezuela's fate and plans to actively participate in processes in that country. He noted that the US will not allow the current government's actions to continue.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the United States to release Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, citing information about their presence in the United States.
Delcy Rodriguez arrived in Russia after the US President announced the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez's brother, the head of the National Assembly, is in Caracas.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by US forces in their bedroom during a night raid.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to the US military operation in Venezuela, stating support for the right of peoples to a free life. Ukraine did not recognize Maduro's legitimacy after the rigged elections and violence against protesters.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face a US court for narco-terrorism and illegal arms trafficking. Maduro has already been detained and will be brought to New York after an operation conducted by the Delta Force special operations group.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Senator Mike Lee about the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by the US military for trial in the US. Military operations in Venezuela have concluded, as the capture of Maduro was the main objective of the operation.
US President Donald Trump announced a successful operation against Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro and his wife were detained and removed from the country. Details of the operation, conducted jointly with US law enforcement agencies, will be released later at a press conference.
The Venezuelan government accused the United States of military aggression after a series of explosions in Caracas and other regions. President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency and mobilized defense forces.
More and more oil tankers are turning away from Venezuela as the US threatens to seize vessels carrying oil to finance the regime of Nicolas Maduro. At least seven ships have changed course, and four more have turned away after US forces boarded the vessel Skipper.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose by 35 and 34 cents respectively on the first trading day of 2026. This followed the largest annual decline since 2020, caused by drone attacks on Russian oil facilities and US sanctions against Venezuela.
The Trump administration sanctioned four companies from Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as associated oil tankers, accusing them of evading sanctions against Venezuela. These measures are aimed at cutting off financial flows supporting the regime of Nicolas Maduro.
The US Coast Guard has suspended its pursuit of the tanker Bella 1, suspected of violating sanctions against Venezuela. The ship's crew painted a Russian flag on board, complicating the seizure operation.
The CIA launched a drone strike on a port facility on Venezuela's coast, marking the first known US attack on a target inside the country. The strike targeted a remote dock that the US government believed was being used by a Venezuelan gang to store and move drugs.
