Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Russia Amid U.S. Military Action

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez traveled to Russia following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been seized by U.S. forces during an attack on Caracas. This military operation has heightened global tensions and raised questions about the stability of Venezuela's leadership.

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The situation escalated on January 3, 2026, when multiple explosions were reported in Caracas and surrounding states, including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. These blasts prompted Maduro to declare a national emergency and mobilize defense forces. The Venezuelan government condemned the U.S. actions as "military aggression," asserting that the attacks aimed to seize the country's oil and mineral resources.

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Delcy Rodriguez, as Vice President, has taken a prominent role in responding to the crisis. In a televised audio message, she demanded that the Trump administration provide "proof of life" for both Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Meanwhile, her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, the head of the Venezuelan National Assembly, remained in Caracas and has not been publicly seen since the attacks.

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Russia, a longstanding ally of Venezuela, swiftly condemned the U.S. military actions and reaffirmed its support for the Maduro government. This response underscores the potential for increased international involvement and the complexities of diplomatic relations in the region as the situation unfolds.

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Critics of the U.S. military operation have expressed concerns about the implications for Venezuelan sovereignty and the potential for further destabilization in the region. The Venezuelan government has characterized the U.S. actions as an attempt to control its natural resources, while international observers worry about the humanitarian impact of such military interventions.

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While the U.S. government has not provided detailed information about its military objectives, reports indicate that Trump has pressured Maduro to leave the country. However, the absence of clear communication from both the U.S. and Venezuelan governments has left many questions unanswered regarding the future of Venezuela's leadership and the potential for further conflict.

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• “The Venezuela government in its statement said the goal of the attack is for the United States to take possession of the country's oil and minerals.” — Venezuelan Government Statement

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As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the implications of U.S. military actions in Venezuela and the responses from both the Venezuelan government and its allies.

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