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Fiona Hill: Russia's 2019 Venezuela-Ukraine Swap Claim Resurfaces

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Fiona Hill, adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, testified in 2019 that Russia sought a swap involving Venezuela and Ukraine.
The claim resurfaced after Trump's January 2026 capture of Maduro.
Hill said the United States was concerned about Russian influence in Ukraine, echoing the Monroe Doctrine.
The United States continues to exert influence in Ukraine, evidenced by a peace plan discussed with European allies.

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Story summary

Fiona Hill, adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, testified in 2019 that Russia sought a swap involving Venezuela and Ukraine.
The claim resurfaced after Trump's January 2026 capture of Maduro.
Hill said the United States was concerned about Russian influence in Ukraine, echoing the Monroe Doctrine.
The United States continues to exert influence in Ukraine, evidenced by a peace plan discussed with European allies.