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.
Delcy Rodriguez arrived in Russia after the US President announced the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez's brother, the head of the National Assembly, is in Caracas.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by US forces in their bedroom during a night raid.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to the US military operation in Venezuela, stating support for the right of peoples to a free life. Ukraine did not recognize Maduro's legitimacy after the rigged elections and violence against protesters.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face a US court for narco-terrorism and illegal arms trafficking. Maduro has already been detained and will be brought to New York after an operation conducted by the Delta Force special operations group.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Senator Mike Lee about the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by the US military for trial in the US. Military operations in Venezuela have concluded, as the capture of Maduro was the main objective of the operation.
US President Donald Trump announced a successful operation against Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro and his wife were detained and removed from the country. Details of the operation, conducted jointly with US law enforcement agencies, will be released later at a press conference.
The Venezuelan government accused the United States of military aggression after a series of explosions in Caracas and other regions. President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency and mobilized defense forces.
More and more oil tankers are turning away from Venezuela as the US threatens to seize vessels carrying oil to finance the regime of Nicolas Maduro. At least seven ships have changed course, and four more have turned away after US forces boarded the vessel Skipper.
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has stated his readiness for dialogue with the United States on combating drug trafficking and oil. This comes amid increased American pressure on his government, including attacks on vessels and port infrastructure.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose by 35 and 34 cents respectively on the first trading day of 2026. This followed the largest annual decline since 2020, caused by drone attacks on Russian oil facilities and US sanctions against Venezuela.
The Russian Federation officially appealed to the US State Department with a demand to stop pursuing the oil tanker Bella 1, which the American authorities consider a stateless vessel. The tanker, en route from Iran to Venezuela, is currently trying to evade the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean.
Donald and Melania Trump hosted a New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, where the president held a charity auction. A painting of Jesus was sold for $2.75 million.
A federal judge in California has invalidated the Trump administration's decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 60,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. This ruling will allow TPS holders from these countries to legally work in the US and avoid deportation.
The Trump administration sanctioned four companies from Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as associated oil tankers, accusing them of evading sanctions against Venezuela. These measures are aimed at cutting off financial flows supporting the regime of Nicolas Maduro.
Trump reposted a NY Post article claiming that Russia is the only obstacle to ending the war. The material states that Putin systematically opposes Trump's policies, and his statements are a manipulation to disrupt peace initiatives.
The US Coast Guard has suspended its pursuit of the tanker Bella 1, suspected of violating sanctions against Venezuela. The ship's crew painted a Russian flag on board, complicating the seizure operation.
Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday but are expected to fall by more than 15% over 2025. This is due to fears of oversupply, despite wars, tariffs, and sanctions.
Venezuela has begun shutting down wells in the Orinoco region, home to the world's largest oil fields, due to the blockade by the administration of US President Donald Trump. PDVSA aims to cut production in Orinoco by at least 25% to 500,000 barrels per day.
The CIA launched a drone strike on a port facility on Venezuela's coast, marking the first known US attack on a target inside the country. The strike targeted a remote dock that the US government believed was being used by a Venezuelan gang to store and move drugs.
