Venezuela

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.

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia have been awarded the Sakharov Prize in 2024. The award was given for their struggle to restore democracy in Venezuela.

Ecuador's president has initiated a constitutional reform to allow foreign military bases. The change would lift the 2008 ban and could pave the way for the return of the US base in Manta.

Venezuelan authorities arrested 19 people, including 7 Americans, on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the country. The Minister of the Interior accuses the CIA, DEA and CNI of Spain of coordinating the plot without providing evidence.

In a controversial interview with Fox News, US Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the basic principles of her future immigration policy. She stated that she did not support the decriminalization of border crossing and promised to appoint a Republican to the cabinet.

A fire broke out at the La Salina terminal owned by PDVSA during a storm. At least 21 people were injured, including workers, neighbors and firefighters. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.

Ukraine defeated France 7-1 in the third-place match at the 2024 Futsal World Cup. This is the first medal for the Ukrainian national team at the World Cup in this sport.

The European Asylum Agency (EUAA) recently released data on asylum trends in the European Union for the first half of 2024.

The Ukrainian men's futsal team defeated Venezuela 9-4 in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Uzbekistan. Ukraine will face Brazil in the semifinals on October 2.

An oil spill from the El Palito refinery in Venezuela polluted a bay in the Caribbean Sea. An oil slick covering an area of about 225 km² covered the Morrocoy National Park and affected coastal areas.

U. S. President Joe Biden said he would support new elections in Venezuela. Earlier, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a similar proposal.

A university in the UK has published a study on carbon emissions from forest fires. In 2023-2024, fires caused 8.6 billion tons of CO2 emissions, which is 16% higher than average.