The White House is demanding that Venezuela sever ties with Russia, China, and Iran.
A person reacts holding Venezuelan and U.S. flags as Venezuelan immigrants celebrate after the United States struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, and they were brought to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (MDC Brooklyn), in New York City, U.S., January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The administration of US President Donald Trump has demanded that Venezuela’s interim government sever economic ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba.
ABC News reports this, citing sources familiar with the White House plans.
According to the publication, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, must meet these conditions before Washington will allow the country to increase oil production. Specifically, Caracas must cease cooperation with Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Havana, and agree to an exclusive partnership with the United States in the oil industry. A separate requirement is that the United States be given priority in the sale of Venezuelan heavy crude.
An ABC News source reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a closed-door briefing for members of Congress, stated that Washington has leverage over Venezuela. He stated that the country’s oil tankers are already overflowing, and without a way to sell its reserves, the country could face financial insolvency within weeks.
US Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker also confirmed that the American plan is based on control of Venezuelan oil. He also noted that this scenario would not require the deployment of American troops.
According to Wicker, the US intends to control the movement of ships and tankers, including preventing them from traveling to Cuba. He added that without market access, new tankers will be unable to load oil, as existing tanks are already full.
Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to the United States’ attack on Venezuela and the detention of dictator Nicolas Maduro.
Prior to this, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that Nicolás Maduro would face justice “for his crimes.” Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from Venezuela.
As a reminder, US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on targets inside Venezuela on Saturday, January 3. The Venezuelan government subsequently declared a state of emergency in the country due to the American attack .
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