Venezuela
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.
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.
On January 4, 2026, during the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV called for solidarity with peoples suffering from wars. The Pontiff expressed concern about the situation in Venezuela, emphasizing the priority of the people's well-being and calling for a return to the rule of law.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A rare US Air Force RQ-170 "Sentinel" drone was spotted in Puerto Rico after a night operation against the infrastructure of the Nicolas Maduro regime in Venezuela. The RQ-170 Sentinel is one of the most classified developments of the US Army, designed for high-resolution image collection and electronic intelligence.
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.
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.
The US special operation in Caracas and the detention of Nicolás Maduro caused a resonant reaction from world leaders. The international community was divided in its assessment of the legality of Washington's actions, from full support to harsh condemnation.
On Monday, the UN Security Council will hold an urgent meeting over the US military operation in Venezuela. Colombia initiated the meeting, which was supported by Russia and China.
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.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a "major reboot" of the state system, including rotations of heads of the security, defense, and law enforcement sectors. The replacement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, is not foreseen.
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.