Venezuela
Gold prices remain around $4450 per ounce after the arrest of Nicolas Maduro. Investors are awaiting the US employment report and predict a price increase to $4900 – $5000 per ounce in 2026.
A shooting occurred near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. Guards opened fire on unidentified drones, which turned out to be equipment belonging to the Venezuelan security forces.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 33% of Americans approve of the US military strike on Venezuela that led to the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro. Most citizens express concern about the consequences of the intervention, although Trump's approval rating has risen to 42%.
Asian stock markets opened higher, with the MSCI index for global equities reaching an all-time high. This happened amid the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces and rising oil prices and PDVSA default bonds.
The Mexican government rules out the possibility of unilateral US military action against drug cartels, despite threats from Donald Trump. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the country's sovereignty, rejecting foreign intervention.
The Trump administration plans meetings with oil company executives to discuss increasing oil production in Venezuela after Maduro's removal. Companies deny prior consultations, and analysts warn of the need for billions in investment.
Tankers with Venezuelan oil and fuel have left the country's territorial waters, ignoring the US naval blockade. This happened after President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on all sanctioned tankers in December 2025.
The Swiss government has frozen the assets of Nicolas Maduro and 37 of his associates for four years to prevent the withdrawal of illegally obtained funds. The sanctions do not apply to current members of the Venezuelan government, and Switzerland is ready to return illegal funds to the people.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the US military operation in Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro was arrested. Venezuela condemned the US actions as an illegal armed attack, while the US called it a law enforcement operation.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset mocked the effectiveness of Russian air defense systems in Venezuela after a US operation in Caracas. He noted that Russian systems failed to activate when US special forces operated in the center of the capital.
Donald Trump did not support the candidacy of Corina Machado for the presidency of Venezuela, stating that she "does not have support. " Machado's associates were surprised by Trump's comment, who, they said, expected her to decline the Nobel Prize in his favor.
The official Russian and Persian language accounts of the US State Department called President Trump a "man of action" after the special operation in Venezuela. They warned against playing games with him, emphasizing his determination.
US special forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, depriving Vladimir Putin of an ally and strengthening US oil influence. Moscow views this as an attempt to control Venezuela's oil wealth and a possible sign of the Monroe Doctrine's revival.
The US State Department stated that the Western Hemisphere is a zone of Washington's interests. President Trump will not allow threats to US security in this hemisphere.
A New York court has scheduled the next hearing in the case of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for March 17. Maduro and his wife left the courtroom after the hearing without entering a plea.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly rejected Donald Trump's threats and accusations regarding his involvement in drug trafficking. Trump threatened Colombia with military action, accusing Petro of facilitating the production and sale of cocaine.
Russia at the UN condemned US actions against Venezuela, calling them an act of international aggression. Russia calls for the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, detained during Operation "Absolute Resolve" in Caracas.
From January 5 to 11, 2026, a unique astrological configuration intensifies tensions in global processes, bringing issues of power and strategic decisions to the forefront. Astrologer Ksenia Bazylenko said that this period will be a turning point for Capricorns, and will also test leaders for maturity and competence.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. predicts that the prospect of increased oil production in Venezuela following the US ouster of its leader could impact global oil prices. The recovery in production will be gradual due to infrastructure degradation, which increases the downside risks to the oil price forecast for 2027 and beyond.
Russian forces deployed a missile-carrying submarine to the open sea for the first time this year. The overall situation at sea has not undergone significant changes.
Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez called on the US to cooperate after Donald Trump's warnings. Earlier, Rodriguez criticized the US operation and the capture of Nicolas Maduro, which provoked a harsh reaction from the American president.
Leaders of Greenland and Denmark have urged US President Donald Trump to stop threatening to take over Greenland. Trump stated that Greenland is needed by the US for defense and national security, citing its strategic importance and the presence of Russian and Chinese ships.
World oil prices fell on January 5, despite geopolitical tensions following the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The market remains stable due to an oversupply of global crude oil reserves.
US President Donald Trump has warned Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodriguez, of severe consequences if she does not change the country's political course. The statement comes amid preparations for the trial of ousted Nicolas Maduro in New York.
The price of Bitcoin reached $93,323 on January 5, updating a three-week high. This happened after the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, which caused the crypto market to grow.
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.
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.