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Oil tanker heading to Venezuela changes course after US strikes — WSJ

Four more tankers bound for the Bolivarian Republic anchored

NEW YORK, January 3. /TASS/. Oil tanker Thousand Sunny bound for Venezuela changed its course to Nigeria after the United States struck the Bolivarian Republic, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Four more tankers bound for the Bolivarian Republic anchored.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil Pinto said that the United States had attacked civilian and military facilities in Caracas. He called Washington's actions military aggression. A state of emergency was declared in Venezuela.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States has carried out large-scale strikes against Venezuela. According to him, President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country.

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United States Venezuela

US strikes on Venezuela

Trump’s decision on Venezuela puts force above law — newspaper

El Pais stressed that a hypothetical transitional period in Venezuela will only be legitimate if it is peaceful, orderly, and consensual

Many Donbass mineral reserves classified under Stalin — Donbass head

Denis Pushilin said that many deposits are still classified

Ukraine’s terrorist attacks against Russia could be seen as ‘suicide’ for Kiev — Ritter

Commenting on the Ukrainian armed forces' attempt to attack Russian President Vladimir Putin's state residence, Former US intelligence officer and ex-UN inspector suggested that the CIA may have been involved in the operation

Ukraine under Zelensky has no right to exist as a state — Medvedchuk

The leader of the Other Ukraine movement Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that "the Ukrainian people should determine their future"

US undermining peace, stability by selling arms to Taiwan — China's ambassador to Russia

Zhang Hanhui stressed that "the Chinese side strongly objects to and condemns these actions" and has already "made a serious protest to the American side"

France says US actions in Venezuela contradict international law

Jean-Noel Barro criticized Venezuelan president’s policies, but said that Paris stands for respect for the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, "whose voice should prevail"

Maduro signs decree on state of emergency in Venezuela in wake of US attack

The Venezuelan government has also said that the country’s armed forces "have been deployed to ensure sovereignty and peace"

Russia calls for restraint to avoid unpredictable developments around Venezuela — Kremlin

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil earlier said that Caracas had requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting over Washington’s "open and criminal aggression"

Trump wants to rule Venezuela, only Congress can prevent this — former US lawmaker

Dennis Kucinich condemned the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the US strikes on Caracas and Washington’s attempt to take control over Venezuela’s oil resources as "naked, illegal acts of aggression"

US destroys Venezuelan airfields, where F-16s stationed — expert

Both the air and sea logistics of Venezuela are currently virtually paralyzed, both military and civilian, Alexander Stepanov said

Russia's retaliatory measures to create operational problems for Euroclear — FT

According to the report, Euroclear has hired 200 additional employees to handle frozen Russian assets on a permanent basis

Venezuela is Russia’s ally, Moscow, Caracas are in constant contact — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro spoke on the phone on December 11

Ukrainian intel chief says he accepts Zelensky’s offer to lead his office

Dmitry Litvin, Vladimir Zelensky’s communications adviser, said earlier that formal procedures regarding Kirill Budanov’s appointment had already begun

Wealth of richest Russians rises by almost $24 bln in 2025 — Bloomberg

Alisher Usmanov, shareholder of Russia’s largest iron ore producer Metalloinvest, amassed $6.04 bln, with his fortune climbing to $19.3 bln

Some radicals in US seek to drag Washington into war in Taiwan Strait — Chinese envoy

"History will prove that the more the American side indulges with separatist forces that advocate ‘Taiwan’s independence’ in their provocations, the more bitter fruits it will have to reap," Zhang Hanhui stressed

Situation in Venezuela of serious concern to Caribbean Community

CARICOM is actively monitoring the situation, the leaders of the Caribbean Community said

Trump’s decision on Venezuela puts force above law — newspaper

El Pais stressed that a hypothetical transitional period in Venezuela will only be legitimate if it is peaceful, orderly, and consensual

Europe’s LNG imports hit record 142 bln cubic meters in 2025

In December, LNG imports also hit a record 12.7 billion cubic meters

UK, France hit Islamic State facility in Syria

"There is no indication of any risk having been posed to civilians by the strike, and all our aircraft returned safely," the UK Ministry of Defense said

Russia urges to clarify situation with capture of Maduro and his wife

"Such actions, if they actually took place, constitute an unacceptable encroachment on the sovereignty of an independent state, respect for which is a key principle of international law," the Foreign Ministry said

Venezuela will protect its natural resources, they belong to people — Vice President

Republic's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in response to US President Donald Trump's statements about his interest in the Bolivarian Republic's oil fields

Maduro escorted out of aircraft in New York — TV

Maduro and his wife will soon be photographed and their fingerprints will be taken

Brazilian MP condemns US aggression against Venezuela as attack on entire continent

According to Reimont Otoni, the US administration that has abducted Venezuela’s legitimate President Nicolas Maduro, is seeking to take control of that country’s oil fields and has no intention to help improve the economic situation in the country

NATO’s activity at borders of Russia, Belarus fraught with direct military clash — envoy

This situation persists because many in Europe exploit the false factor of the Russian threat to consolidate the NATO/EU ranks around the continued military support for Ukraine, Head of the Russian delegation at talks in Vienna on military security and arms control Yulia Zhdanova said

Zelensky blackmails Western handlers to get them secure his re-election — Russian diplomat

Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential powers expired on May 20, 2024

Russian forces eliminated 147 French mercenaries in Ukraine, Defense Ministry says

Overall, the Russian forces eliminated 5,962 foreign mercenaries, most of them from Poland

Russia-Venezuela strategic partnership agreement comes into force

The agreement, initiated by the president, strengthens bilateral cooperation in political and economic spheres, including energy, mineral extraction, transport, and communications, as well as in security, counterterrorism, and counter-extremism

Trump’s supporters wrong thinking he would stop overseas wars — US lawmaker

"Americans disgust with our own government’s never ending military aggression and support of foreign wars is justified because we are forced to pay for it and both parties," Marjorie Taylor Greene noted

US interference in Iran’s affairs may destabilize entire region — security official

US President Donald Trump wrote earlier on January 2 on his Truth Social media platform that "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue"

Maduro, wife taken out of Venezuela by copter, brought to New York by ship — Trump

According to the US leader, Maduro lived "in a house that was more like a fortress than a house"

Russian says warning systems failed during US strikes on Caracas

According to Ivan Pavlov, there is still silence on television

US’ strategic goal in Venezuela is control of its oil reserves — Russian senator

According to Alexey Pushkov, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to opposition Venezuelan ex-lawmaker Maria Corina Machado was "an information preparation" for the US operation

Russian, Belarusian foreign ministers call for Maduro's release

The parties also noted "the importance of quickly creating conditions for resolving the situation around Venezuela through dialogue in accordance with international law"

Lull in Caracas after US strikes — CNN

State channels broadcast a Defense Ministry message urging them to remain calm

Russian forces repel two Ukrainian breakthrough attacks near Kupyansk over past day

A unit of the 6th Army repelled two attacks by a formation of the 92nd assault brigade and 15th National Guard brigade in the area of Palamarevka and Blagodatovka

Czech parliament Speaker may face resignation due to his critical statements on Ukraine

The parliamentary liberal opposition parties intend to submit to the Chamber of Deputies the question of stripping Okamura of his post as head of the lower house of the republic's highest legislative body

Chinese foreign ministry demands US immediately release Maduro

The Chinese side calls on the US side to ensure the personal safety of President Maduro and his wife

FACTBOX: Cities awarded Russia’s New Year’s capital title

TASS has prepared this factbox on the project dubbed The New Year’s Capital of Russia

Saudi Arabia carries out strikes on airport in Yemeni city of Seiyun — TV

Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Salah Al-Aqel confirmed the attacks

FACTBOX: Cases of abductions of heads of state

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was captured by fighters of the elite Delta force unit of the US army оn January 3, 2026

US must immediately release Maduro, return him to Venezuela — Vice President

Delcy Rodriguez said that in a speech broadcast on the Telesur television channel

Trump doubts Machado will become Venezuela's new leader

US President added that it would be very difficult for her to become a leader

US actions in Venezuela deprive of arguments against Russia — head of Munich Conference

"If the United States is now intervening in the situation in Venezuela without a UN mandate, then the argument that Russia could in no way interfere in the situation in Ukraine without convening the UN Security Council is losing its political and international legal significance," Wolfgang Ischinger noted

China to give firm response to provocations in Taiwan Strait — envoy

“From December 29, 2025, the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army of China began the exercise Justice Mission 2025,” Zhang Hanhui said

Bolivarian Alliance demands US immediately release Venezuelan president

The Bolivarian Alliance reiterated its support for the Venezuelan people and government who demonstrated their ability to preserve internal stability, social peace and constitutional order in the face of external aggression

Former US congressman condemns Maduro’s abduction as act of aggression

"No region is safe. Peace talks are pretextual," Dennis Kucinich stressed

Oil tanker heading to Venezuela changes course after US strikes — WSJ

Four more tankers bound for the Bolivarian Republic anchored

Ukraine to face inevitable retaliation for attack on Kherson Region — Medvedev

In his view, Banderites must be eliminated wherever they are, be it Ukraine or Europe

Russian Foreign Ministry condemns US armed aggression against Venezuela

The ministry emphasized that, under the current circumstances, "it is crucial, above all, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue"

Taiwan issue is a red line in China-US relations — Chinese Ambassador to Russia

"The Taiwan issue is the core of China's key interests", Zhang Hanhui stated

Yemeni separatists agree to take part in peace conference in Saud Arabia

The situation in Yemen escalated after separatists from the Southern Transitional Council, backed by the United Arab Emirates, took control over the Hadhramaut and Al Mahrah governorates

Maduro is Venezuela's only legitimate president — Vice President

"This country has only one president, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros," Delcy Rodriguez said

Press review: Russia may revise Ukraine talks post attack and China launches Taiwan drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 30th

Venezuela requests emergency UN Security Council meeting over US aggression

"No cowardly attack can withstand the strength of this people, who will emerge victorious," Bolivarian Republic Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said

Russia strongly calls on US to release Maduro, his wife — MFA

It also emphasized the need "to create conditions for resolving any existing problems between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue"

Situation in Caracas is calm, controlled by authorities — Russian ambassador

"There are no Russian nationals among those killed or injured," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Pentagon chief doesn’t rule out full-scale US operation in Venezuela

As for whether the US administration is going to ask a Congress approval, Hegseth noted that the operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been carried out by the Pentagon "in support of the Department of Justice"

Trump says Venezuelan oil supplies to China will continue

Trump noted that after conducting an operation against Venezuela, the United States cannot risk that someone else will establish control in the country

Russian troops liberate nine communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russian forces delivered one massive and six combined strikes by precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles on Ukrainian military-industrial and energy sites over the past week in response to Kiev’s attacks on civilian facilities, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

US to allocate $500 mln for military bases in Poland

Warsaw plans to spend $250 mln on US military facilities in Poland annually until 2035

FACTBOX: What we know about attack on Venezuela’s capital

US forces attacked civilian and military facilities in Caracas, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said

Burglars in Germany stole valuables worth 100 mln euros from Sparkasse Bank — Bild

Initially, the theft was estimated at approximately 30 million euros

North Korea launches two ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan

Earlier, the South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the launch of a missile by North Korea

Plane with Maduro onboard lands in New York — TV

Some 15 minutes after the landing, around a dozen of officers of the US Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI entered the plane

Death toll from Ukraine’s drone attack on village of Khorly in Kherson Region rises to 29

Genetic examinations are ongoing to identify victims, with the investigation having ordered 70 forensic examinations

Rubio could play key role in managing Venezuela — Bloomberg

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said on January 3 that the United States had attacked civilian and military facilities in Caracas

Guterres deeply alarmed by Maduro's capture, calls for respect for international law

The UN Secretary General called on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law

Belarusian Foreign Minister voices support for Venezuelan counterpart in phone call

For his part, Ivan Gil Pinto briefed the Belarusian side on US military strikes against a number of military and civilian facilities in Venezuela, as well as on the current situation in the country

Death toll from Ukraine’s drone attack on village of Khorly in Kherson Region rises to 28

More than 100 people were in the cafe at the time of the attack, Governor Vladimir Saldo said

Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, Admiral Nakhimov cruiser to be rejoin Navy 2024

The Admiral Kuznetsov has been undergoing repairs and upgrade at the 35th Shipyard (a branch of the Zvyozdochka Ship Repair Center, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) since 2017

Lavrov expresses solidarity with people of Venezuela in face of armed aggression

Russia "will continue to support the Bolivarian government's line aimed at protecting the country's national interests and sovereignty," the ministry noted

State of emergency comes into force in Venezuela — vice president

According to Rodrigues, the decree comes into force immediately

Russia to provide decoded data from Ukrainian drone to US — Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, Russian intelligence officers examining the navigation system of one of the Ukrainian drones shot down during the attack managed to extract the file containing flight plan data

Maduro, his wife taken to Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn — TV

According to NBC News, Maduro may appear in court in New York on Monday

National defense system guarantees territorial integrity — Maduro

President Nicolas Maduro stressed that the authorities of Venezuela have all the required resources and mechanisms to protect the country’s sovereignty

UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela to take place on Monday at 6 pm Moscow time

The Somalis have scheduled the meeting

Ukrainian intel chief appointed as head of Zelensky’s office

Meanwhile, Foreign Intelligence Service Chief Oleg Ivashchenko has been relieved from his post and appointed in Kirill Budanov’s stead

Russian Su-34 bomber strikes Ukrainian manpower, equipment by glide bombs

After receiving a confirmation from reconnaissance about the target destruction, the crew safely returned to its airfield of departure, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Helicopter crashes in Arizona mountains — TV

There were four people on board, their conditions are not yet known

At least 40 people die after US attack on Venezuela — media

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said on January 3 that the United States had attacked civilian and military facilities in Caracas

Professor Jeffrey Sachs is right: Ukraine risks losing Odessa, says Duma member

According to Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Ukraine is losing ground every day

Starlink to provide Venezuela with free communication services for one month

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said on January 3 that the United States had attacked civilian and military facilities in Caracas

Aggression condemnation, fallout: global reaction to US operation in Venezuela

In the statements of the leaders and foreign ministries of several countries, Washington's action is characterized as aggression and an attempt to change power in the country

Attempts continue to expand Ukraine conflict to entire Europe — newspaper

Selvi believes that the forces supporting Ukraine are plotting to set Turkey and Russia against each other

Russian troops liberate Bondarnoye community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,300 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry

Neither Europe, nor US forces will oppose Trump’s policy toward Venezuela — expert

"We resemble Europe in 1936 more than we do the post-War West," Michael Brenner, former Director of the International Relations & Global Studies Program at the University of Texas said

Attack on Putin's residence was guided by NATO systems, expert says

Andrey Marochko believes that disrupting negotiations on a peace settlement of the conflict was Kiev's primary aim in the attack

Kallas wants EU to enter into a war with Russia and China — Dmitriev

When you hear EU, just think Ursula & Kaja — that tells you everything you need to know," Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy wrote on the X social network

Russia’s missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov takes to sea for trials after heavy upgrade

As the source specified, the first stage of testing will take place in the White Sea

Strikes on Venezuela could trigger spike in oil prices to $70-80 per barrel — expert

The price of March Brent crude futures stood at $60.8 per barrel at the close of trading on January 1 on London’s ICE exchange

Rubio confirms US does not consider Maduro president of Venezuela after removal

"He is under indictment for pushing drugs into the United States," reads the message, which was originally published on July 27

Britain uninvolved in operation to overthrow Maduro — PM

"I always say and believe we should all uphold international law," Keir Starmer stated

Trump posts photo of captured Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima

The photo shows Maduro wearing a gray tracksuit and headphones

US demands major investments in Venezuela from oil companies for compensation — Politico

The newspaper emphasized that US oil companies have long wanted to regain their assets in Venezuela, and now the administration of US President Donald Trump is offering to help them on one condition

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian infantry near Kupyansk in Kharkov Region

According to the ministry, Russian reconnaissance drones monitor the enemy movements and then direct fire at them

Trump says he spoke with Maduro one week ago, offered him his surrender

"He was not going a week ago," Trump added

Trump’s statements against Iran equate to incitement to violence — Iran’s envoy to UN

Amir Saeed Iravani called for condemnation and the assessment of the "reckless and provocative statements by the US President regarding Iran as a serious violation of the principles of the UN Charter"

Venezuela's attorney general accuses US of capturing Maduro

Tarek William Saab called on Venezuelan citizens to take to the streets to demand that the US "show as soon as possible that Maduro is alive" and release him

Trump says not satisfied with progress of his contacts with Putin on Ukraine

The American leader again stated that he inherited this conflict from his predecessor as head of state Joe Biden

United States grossly violate UN Charter — Venezuelan Embassy in Russia

The embassy emphasized that such actions "pose a threat to international peace and stability, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, and place the lives of millions of people at serious risk"

Exhumation of Soviet soldiers in Lvov 'degradation bordering on savagery' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that despite the OSCE's declared commitment to defending and protecting human rights as one of the organization's fundamental aims, Western countries maintained a deathly silence while watching the actions of the Kiev regime