Venezuela

The Russian Foreign Ministry is ready to restore relations with Georgia, but only if Tbilisi is ready. Moscow accuses the US and EU of interfering in Georgia's internal affairs and putting pressure on the country.

Brent and WTI crude oil fell by 0. 5-0.6% after Trump's statements about the energy emergency and plans to increase production. Investors are also concerned about the possible imposition of tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.

Colombia has declared a state of emergency due to violence between guerrilla groups, which has led to the death of 100 people. The authorities deployed 5,000 troops and evacuated almost 20,000 people from three departments.

Oil imports from Russia to China increased by 1% to reach a record 108. 5 million tons in 2024. At the same time, supplies from Saudi Arabia fell by 9%, and total oil imports to China decreased by 1.9%.

US President-elect Trump's team declares its intention to change the regime in Venezuela. Advisors compare Maduro's possible removal to the recent overthrow of Assad and consider non-military methods of influence.

At least 39 people were killed in the border region of Norte de Santander due to conflicts between illegal armed groups. The struggle for control over the drug trade has led to the suspension of peace talks with the ELN.

Andriy Yermak called on Brazil to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The coalition currently includes 41 countries, and Brazil can become an important partner in restoring a just peace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has joined the EU's position on non-recognition of the third "inauguration" of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Against the backdrop of mass protests, Maduro has begun a new presidential term until 2031.

Venezuela has temporarily closed its common border with Brazil after Nicolas Maduro took office for a third presidential term. The closure will last until next Monday, and the reasons for the decision have not been officially commented on.

The US and EU impose new sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials over the Maduro regime's repression. The US State Department increased the reward to $25 million for information leading to the arrest of the Venezuelan president.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro began his third presidential term until 2031 amid mass protests. The inauguration took place under tight security, and Western countries imposed new sanctions on Venezuelan officials.

The EU Council added 15 new individuals to the Venezuelan sanctions list and extended the restrictions until 2026. In total, 69 people are sanctioned, with assets frozen and banned from entering the EU.

Russia uses more than 1,000 vessels to circumvent sanctions, which is 17% of the world's oil tanker fleet. The shadow fleet has brought Russia more profit than Ukraine has received in international aid since the beginning of the war.

The Venezuelan authorities have no information about the Ukrainian citizenship of the detainees claimed by Maduro. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is checking the information through diplomatic channels and partner ambassadors.

Shandong Port Group has banned tankers under US sanctions from entering its ports in Shandong province. This could affect oil imports from Russia, Venezuela and Iran, which account for 17% of China's total oil imports.

The Venezuelan president announced the detention of seven “mercenaries” - two Americans and five people from Ukraine and Colombia. Maduro did not provide evidence of the accusations, saying only that they were “high-caliber” specialists.

Venezuela breaks off diplomatic relations with Paraguay and recalls its diplomats. The decision was made after Paraguayan President Santiago Peña's statement of support for the Venezuelan opposition.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called on Venezuelans to protest on January 9 against Maduro's inauguration. The action will be a response to the disputed results of the presidential election held on July 28.

Maduro's government has announced a reward for information on the whereabouts of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez. The opposition leader plans to return to Venezuela on January 10 to take over as president from Maduro.

The Venezuelan authorities have announced a reward for information on the whereabouts of Edmundo Gonzalez, who insists on winning the election. The opposition leader is in Spain and promises to return to take the presidential oath.

Two Venezuelan citizens were detained in Mexico on suspicion of murdering a migration officer. The body of the deceased showed head injuries and other signs of violence.

Edmundo González and María Corina Machado received the Sakharov Prize 2024 for their struggle for democracy in Venezuela. González accepted the award in person, while Machado spoke via video link.

Richard Grenell, former US ambassador to Germany, has been appointed Trump's special presidential envoy. He will deal with international challenges in crisis regions, including Venezuela and North Korea.

Cuba's main power plant in Matanzas province has failed, leaving millions of consumers without power. Authorities suspended classes and work, promising to restore power by Thursday.

Hooded Venezuelan security forces blocked the Argentine embassy, where 6 oppositionists are hiding. Drones are flying over the building, and telephone communication is interrupted.

Nicolas Maduro's government has launched an investigation against Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

The French president criticized Haiti's decision to dismiss the prime minister and blamed local authorities. Haiti summoned the French ambassador to protest Macron's unfriendly remarks.

Venezuelan authorities released 225 people arrested during protests against Maduro's re-election. Human rights organizations confirmed the release of 107 political prisoners.

New agreements on cooperation in intelligence and energy were signed during the visit of the Russian Deputy Prime Minister to Caracas. Venezuela remains one of the few allies of russia and supports its position in the war against Ukraine.

An explosion occurred at the TÜPRAŞ plant in Izmit during a routine training exercise, shattering windows in neighboring houses. The fire that broke out after the explosion was quickly brought under control, and no one was injured.