Venezuela

On February 8, Venezuelan authorities released at least 30 opposition figures, including key allies of María Corina Machado. This occurred amidst a visit by UN representatives and increasing diplomatic pressure.

In eastern Colombia, armed individuals attacked the motorcade of Senator Jairo Castellanos, resulting in two deaths and four people missing. President Gustavo Petro ordered the arrest of those responsible, while the Minister of Defense suspects the involvement of the National Liberation Army.

India's Reliance Industries has purchased 2 million barrels of Venezuelan oil from trader Vitol. This is the company's first purchase in almost a year after it stopped refining Russian oil.

The Russians stated that despite the state of emergency imposed against Cuba, Russia will continue to supply oil to the country as before.

Argentine federal judge Sebastián Ramos has officially sent a request to the United States for the extradition of Nicolás Maduro. Argentina insists on a trial for mass repression and torture, despite US accusations of narco-terrorism.

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping assessed relations between their countries as "exemplary" during their first direct talks this year. Bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years.

India is diversifying its energy sources to ensure energy security, said Trade Minister Piyush Goyal. This comes after the US said New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil.

The US Treasury Department has authorized the sale of diluents to Venezuela, which is key to its oil sector. This decision allows American companies to process payments and contributes to the restoration of Venezuela's oil industry.

The US is canceling a 25% punitive tariff on imports from India. This happened after an agreement under which India is reducing its purchases of Russian oil.

Global oil prices stabilized after a fall caused by the US-India trade deal. India will stop buying Russian oil, increasing imports from the US and Venezuela.

Mexico will stop supplying oil to Cuba after Trump's negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. This decision, caused by US sanctions pressure, could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, where oil reserves will last only 15-20 days.

Donald Trump announced an agreement on a trade deal with India. India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil and purchase more energy from the US.

Over 30 individuals, considered political prisoners by human rights activists, have been released in Venezuela after authorities announced an amnesty. Among those released is human rights defender Javier Tarazona, who had been imprisoned since 2021.

Donald Trump stated that he never planned to make Greenland the 51st US state, but instead wanted to give that role to Canada. This was said at the elite Alfalfa Club dinner in Washington, where Trump later admitted he was joking.

US President Donald Trump said that India would be able to import oil from Venezuela. This move is intended to replace some of the Russian oil imports.

The WHO has expressed concern over the emergence of hybrid forms of schistosomiasis parasites, which affect internal organs and could spread globally. The waterborne disease has already been recorded in 78 countries.

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has signed a law allowing the privatization of the oil sector, overturning a socialist principle. This paves the way for foreign investment and the revitalization of the industry.

Cuba is on the verge of an energy collapse, with only 15-20 days of oil reserves. The US has blocked supplies from Venezuela, and Mexico has stopped shipping fuel.

Global oil prices rose after Trump's statement on Iran and the energy blockade of Cuba. Brent is trading above $70 per barrel, WTI – around $65.30.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the opening of Venezuelan airspace for commercial flights after talks with acting President Delcy Rodriguez. This decision is part of the normalization of relations after the removal of Nicolas Maduro.

US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the threat from Cuba, introducing a new tariff system. This will allow the US to impose tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba.

The US has issued licenses to oil companies to resume production in Venezuela. This decision aims to stabilize energy prices and bring Venezuelan oil back to the markets.

The Trump administration has decided to hand over the supertanker M/T Sophia, detained by the US Coast Guard in January 2026, to the Venezuelan authorities. This is the first time a vessel from the "shadow fleet" has been returned after the naval blockade of Venezuela.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced improved relations with Venezuela, which removes the question of immediate use of force. The US is satisfied with the actions of the new government and is preparing to open an embassy.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico denied a Politico report about his concerns over Donald Trump's condition. He called the article "a lie" and stated that he did not speak at the summit where he allegedly made such assessments.

Ukraine's GUR exposed 66 ships of the "shadow fleet" of Russia, Iran, and Venezuela that transport sanctioned oil. Among them are tankers associated with Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd and Cymare Navigation FZC, which provide Russia with petrodollars.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern about Donald Trump's "psychological state" after their meeting on January 17. Fico called Trump "dangerous," which shocked European diplomats.

A Spanish rescue vessel escorted the Chariot Tide tanker, which is under EU sanctions for carrying Russian oil, to the port of Tanger-Med in Morocco. The ship's engine had broken down, and it was drifting in international waters.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called on the United States to extradite Nicolás Maduro to Venezuela for trial. This statement came ahead of Petro's visit to the White House.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of a modernized multiple rocket launcher capable of selective strikes. Four missiles successfully hit a target in the sea at a distance of 358.5 km.