Gold and silver prices surged on January 5 after the detention of Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Gold surpassed $4370 per ounce, and silver reached $73.32, linked to the escalating geopolitical situation.
Following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in early 2026, international creditors have intensified their struggle to recover Venezuela's $150-170 billion foreign debt. The main players are China, Russia, bondholders, and energy giants, while restructuring is complicated by US sanctions and a lack of cooperation with the IMF.
On January 4, a small private plane crashed at Provincetown Municipal Airport, Massachusetts. The pilot, the only person on board, died at the scene; the airport is closed, and an investigation has been launched.
A meeting in Damascus between representatives of the interim Syrian government and the SDF leadership regarding the unification of Kurdish formations with the national army did not yield tangible results. The parties did not reach an agreement on the format of integration but agreed to continue consultations.
High-ranking Venezuelan officials declare unity and support for Nicolás Maduro after his capture by a US special unit. Maduro is being held in a New York detention center on charges of drug trafficking.
Tensions in Venezuela and Donald Trump's statements regarding Iran have provoked expectations of rising oil prices. Venezuelan oil exports have almost stopped due to the US embargo, which led to a reduction in PDVSA's production.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized the Trump administration for renewing claims on Greenland, stating that the US has no right to annex territories of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Serbian oil refinery NIS, owned by Russia and under US sanctions, will start operating on January 17 or 18. This became possible after receiving a temporary license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department.
US President Donald Trump said the US needs Greenland for defense. This was said in response to a question about possible military actions after the operation in Venezuela.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made demands on Venezuela, warning against turning the country into a hub for gangs, drugs, and states hostile to the US. He also noted that the US is not interested in Venezuela's oil but seeks to limit competitors' investments in its oil infrastructure.
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.
At least 16 people have died in Iran during a week of unrest as protests against soaring inflation spread across the country, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
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.
According to the results of 2025, Russia's foreign trade continued to degrade due to falling world energy prices and oil production quotas. The share of fuel and energy goods in exports decreased to 54.9%, and imports of investment goods decreased by 8.7%.
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.
Negotiations between Ukraine and its partners have entered a new phase, bringing the parties closer to discussing the format of a peace settlement. President Zelenskyy expects the basic provisions on security guarantees and economic recovery to be agreed upon as early as January.
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.
Venezuelan President Maduro, captured during a military operation, has arrived at a detention center in Brooklyn. He is accused of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and illegal possession of weapons.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called on security forces to brutally suppress protests, calling the demonstrators "rioters. " According to human rights activists, the death toll has risen to 15 people.
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.
The US Army deactivated the 5th Air Squadron of the 17th Regiment, based in South Korea, on December 15, 2025. This event is part of a global reform and does not involve a reduction in the US military presence in the region.
American Democrats accuse the Trump administration of misleading them about its true intentions in Venezuela, stating that they were promised no military intervention. Senators are demanding a plan from the White House for governing the country after a night assault on Caracas and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
On January 4, the DPRK launched several ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan. The launches were recorded from the Pyongyang area at about 07:50 a.m. local time.
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.
Northern California faced massive flooding due to heavy rains and the strongest tides in two decades. The elements paralyzed traffic, flooded residential areas, and caused people to be evacuated from their cars.
