Putin and Lula discuss Venezuela in phone call – Kremlin

The Senate has backed a resolution that allows President Donald Trump to continue military actions in Venezuela without prior congressional notification, following a tie-breaking vote by Senator J.D. Vance. This resolution defeats efforts to limit the president's war powers regarding Venezuela, where tensions have escalated significantly.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently described a positive conversation with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the post-Maduro leadership. This dialogue comes amid ongoing tensions and U.S. sanctions against the Maduro regime, as Trump emphasizes the importance of political concessions and access to Venezuela's oil resources.

The US government announced a blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, Nigeria, and Somalia. This suspension will take effect on January 21, with no specified end date.

The Trump administration has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 countries, including Brazil, Iran, Russia, and Somalia, effective January 21. This decision is part of a broader effort to limit legal immigration pathways to the United States, targeting applicants deemed likely to become a public charge reliant on government benefits.

Venezuela's acting president has announced the release of political prisoners as a sign of a new political era, following the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro. Despite these claims, NGOs estimate that nearly 1,000 political prisoners remain in the country, raising questions about the sincerity of the regime's commitment to reform.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela, labeling them a 'flagrant violation' of international law, amidst rising tensions between the two nations. This statement highlights the ongoing geopolitical conflict surrounding Venezuela's sovereignty and the U.S. stance on its government.

President Donald Trump's aggressive stance on Greenland, including threats to take control of the territory, has intensified diplomatic tensions with Denmark and raised concerns across Europe regarding the implications for international law and sovereignty.

Multiple American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released, as confirmed by the State Department on Wednesday. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly concerning the actions of President Nicolás Maduro's regime.