Trump Pressures Venezuela, Russia Supports Maduro

The United States continues to increase pressure on Venezuela. On Monday, December 22, Trump said in a press conference that it would be "wise" for Venezuelan President Maduro to step down. At the same time, he also directly warned Colombian President Petro, accusing him of "not being a friend of the United States." The continued tension between the U.S. and Venezuela has caused significant fluctuations in the international oil market.

At a press conference held in Florida, when asked whether Washington's goal was to force the 12-year ruling Maduro to step down, Trump replied, "I think it is likely so, depending on what he wants to do. I think it would be a wise choice for him to leave." He then added, "If Maduro wants to show strength, that may be his last chance to do so." Trump again accused Venezuela of doing many "terrible things" to the United States, especially sending "criminals, prisoners, drug traffickers, mentally ill people, and incompetent individuals" to the United States.

Trump also emphasized that the United States has deployed a "massive fleet" in the Caribbean, including the world's largest aircraft carrier owned by the United States. In addition to strengthening military deployment in the Caribbean Sea, Trump's pressure on Maduro also includes more than 20 military strikes since September against ships suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific and Caribbean Sea of South America, resulting in at least 100 deaths.

The United States recently announced a maritime oil embargo around Venezuela, seizing two tankers suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. When asked about the handling of the seized tankers and their crude oil, Trump clearly stated, "We will keep it." He said the United States might sell this oil or include it in its strategic petroleum reserve. He also revealed that the U.S. Coast Guard is tracking another tanker suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil, which could become the third seizure in the past two weeks.

At the press conference, Trump praised the Secretary of War Hegseth present, praising his leadership of the U.S. blockade against Venezuela and military strikes on coastal vessels. He said this high-pressure strategy has reduced the amount of drugs flowing into the United States.

Venezuelan President Maduro responded in a speech, saying that Trump "had better" focus on his domestic issues rather than threatening Venezuela. It is unclear when this speech was made, and Maduro did not directly mention Trump's remarks in his speech, but said that every leader should handle their own country's internal affairs. He said, "President Trump had better focus on his own country and the world. He had better focus on his country's economic and social issues; if he takes care of his own country's affairs, it would be better for the world." Maduro said, "He can't spend 70% of his speeches, statements, and time on Venezuela. What about the United States? Poor America needs housing and jobs, which need to be created. Everyone take care of their own country!"

In addition to targeting Maduro, Trump also turned his attention to Colombian President Petro on Monday. Petro had previously criticized the U.S. actions of seizing oil tankers near Venezuela, which he claimed violated international law. In response, Trump fiercely criticized Petro at the press conference, calling him "very bad," and warning him to "be careful," accusing Colombia of manufacturing and sending cocaine to the United States, saying "he is not a friend of the United States."

As the U.S. continues to increase pressure on Venezuela, Maduro has received clear support from his important ally, Russia. On Monday, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Ivan Gil said he had spoken by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. They discussed the U.S.'s "aggressive behavior and blatant violation of international law," including the U.S. government's attacks on ships, "illegal executions," and "piracy at the national level." Russia later stated in a statement that both ministers expressed "deep concern" over the escalation of Washington's actions, and reiterated their "full support and solidarity" with Venezuela. Maduro is one of Putin's key allies, and has consistently supported Moscow since Russia launched its war in Ukraine.

In an open letter to members of the UN Security Council, Maduro accused the U.S. of "state piracy" posing a direct threat to the international legal order and global security. The UN Security Council will hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the increasingly severe crisis between the U.S. and Venezuela. The U.S. has always accused Venezuela of using its main resource, oil, to fund "drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping." However, Caracas denies Washington's accusations, calling it an excuse by the U.S. to overthrow Maduro's government and seize the country's oil resources. Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves.

Oil prices rose for four consecutive trading days due to the continued tension between the U.S. and Venezuela and the potential further seizure of oil tankers. On Monday, Brent crude and U.S. WTI February futures rose by 2.65% and 2.64%, respectively. Analysts pointed out that this round of increases was not due to improvement in supply and demand fundamentals, but due to the risk premium pushed up by war and sanctions. Although Venezuela's production accounts for a small share globally, if exports are further restricted, it will weaken its fiscal revenue and may affect crude oil supplies to Asia, especially China.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852315657004035/

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