Venezuela
The US military struck a vessel from Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea that was transporting drugs. President Trump stated that the vessel was operating on behalf of the drug-terrorist organization Tren de Aragua.
Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro said that US troops in the Caribbean are aimed at overthrowing him. The US has increased its presence to combat drug trafficking, accusing Maduro of involvement.
The American missile cruiser USS Lake Erie crossed the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean. This happened after the deployment of US warships near the coast of Venezuela to combat drug trafficking.
The United States will send singer Brandon Howard, known as B. Howard, to the Russian "Intervision" contest in September. The contest, revived by Putin, is positioned as a Soviet alternative to "Eurovision."
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the mobilization of 4. 5 million civilian militiamen. This step is a response to US threats and accusations of attempting to justify military action.
Oil prices rose on Friday amid optimism about trade talks, which supported the prospects for the global economy and oil demand. Brent futures reached $69.38 per barrel, WTI - $66.23.
Former head of Venezuelan military intelligence, Hugo Armando Carvajal Barrios, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons in the United States. According to the investigation, he organized cocaine supplies, acting within the framework of the Venezuelan state structure.
The Trump administration is considering expanding the list of countries whose citizens will be banned from entering the United States. The reasons are problems with document security and migration cooperation.
The Trump administration has stopped raids on businesses due to damage to farmers and businesses. Priority is given to detaining the "most dangerous" migrants with a criminal past.
The European Union has added Monaco to the list of countries with a high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. Russia was again not included in the updated list.
Donald Trump has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles over protests against immigration raids. The Governor of California called it a provocation that would increase tensions.
Brussels lawmakers are looking for ways to increase financial pressure on Russia. Most members of the European Parliament are in favor of including Russia in the list of countries with weak control over money laundering.
Brent and WTI oil prices are rising amid the resumption of trade talks between the US and China. Saudi Arabia has cut oil prices for Asia.
Donald Trump has banned citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States due to security risks. Partial restrictions will apply to 7 other countries, with exceptions for certain categories.
The US Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to terminate the CHNV program, which protected more than 500,000 migrants. This decision puts people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela at risk of deportation.
Judge Indira Talwani ordered the resumption of consideration of applications from migrants from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Latin America. They were allowed to stay in the US for a limited time.
Oil quotes were supported by the US ban for Chevron to export oil from Venezuela and possible sanctions against Russia. Expectations of increased OPEC+ production are holding back price increases.
In February 2025, the number of first-time asylum seekers in the EU decreased by 23% compared to last year. Most applicants are from Venezuela, Spain received the most.
The US President stated that he will likely plan a meeting with Putin, after which a peace agreement will be concluded. However, if there are no results at the negotiations in Turkey, Trump did not rule out the imposition of sanctions.
Brent crude futures fell by 0. 5%, WTI also fell by 0.5%. The reason was traders' expectations of a potential jump in oil inventories in the US.
The Presidents of France and Poland criticized politicians for supporting Russia at the parade in Moscow on May 9, calling it a disgrace and a refusal to see the truth about the war in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed a demarche to the heads of diplomatic missions of countries whose leaders were at the parade in Moscow. Presence at the parade is regarded as an unfriendly step, support for Russia's aggression.
Brazilian President plans to meet with Putin and attend the parade in Moscow on May 9. The purpose of the visit is to mediate a peaceful settlement and demonstrate an independent policy.
Pyongyang will not send its troops to participate in the victory parade in Moscow. According to the aide to the President of the Russian Federation, North Korea will be represented at the level of ambassador.
OPEC+ decided to increase oil production in June by 411,000 barrels per day. This is happening against the backdrop of falling prices due to fears of surplus and a weak economy.
President Nicolas Maduro signed a decree introducing a state of economic emergency in Venezuela for a term of 60 days. This will allow measures to be taken to stabilize the economy and support the social sector.
Today marks the 315th anniversary of the first Ukrainian Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk. The original document is in the Russian archive.
Pope Francis recognized the miracle of Blessed Maria Carmen Rendiles, paving the way for her canonization. She miraculously healed a woman from hydrocephalus, which became the basis for the recognition of the miracle.
Donald Trump has stated his desire to see the Russian dictator "make a deal. " In the worst case, he is ready to impose additional duties on Russian oil, but he does not want to do this.
On April 2, new tariffs initiated by Trump, which could lead to a global trade war, come into force in the United States. Tariffs of 15% will affect countries with the largest trade deficit.