U.S. authorities have demanded that Venezuela sever economic ties with both Russia and China, according to a source reported on January 7. The move is aimed at facilitating an increase in oil production under the country’s acting leader.
Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president of Venezuela on January 5 following her recognition by the nation’s Supreme Court as acting president on January 4.
On January 3, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a large-scale strike had been successfully launched against Venezuela, claiming the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores. The Russian Foreign Ministry urged the United States to release Maduro.
Maduro was transported to New York Federal Court on January 5 to face charges. In court proceedings, he declared his innocence and asserted that he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. U.S. federal authorities scheduled a consular visit to Venezuela and ordered Maduro to appear for a hearing on March 17.
