Venezuela slams European Council’s renewed sanctions as ‘futile’

The government of Trinidad and Tobago announced it will grant the US military access to its airports in the coming weeks amid rising tensions between the US and Venezuela. Authorities clarified that a newly installed US radar in Tobago is intended for crime-fighting purposes and not for launching attacks.

A JetBlue passenger plane took evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision with a US Air Force aircraft flying with its transponder turned off near Venezuela. The incident occurred during the flight's ascent, raising significant safety concerns as the military aircraft crossed its path, complicating air traffic control communications.

Venezuela has accused Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating with the United States in the recent seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, an action described by the Maduro regime as theft of Venezuelan oil. This incident follows a broader pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Nicolás Maduro's government, escalating tensions in the region.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on two rival traders in the Russian oil market, a significant move aimed at disrupting the clandestine operations that have financially supported Moscow's ongoing military actions in Ukraine. This action reflects the EU's commitment to countering Russia's influence amid the ongoing conflict.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, was convicted on national security charges, including conspiracy to publish seditious material and collusion with foreign forces. The verdict, delivered by a court without a jury, has drawn international condemnation from governments and rights organizations, highlighting concerns over the erosion of democracy and press freedom in the territory.

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela. The incident occurred when the military aircraft reportedly did not have its transponder activated, prompting the JetBlue pilot to express outrage during communication with air traffic control.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado suffered a vertebra fracture during her secret journey from Venezuela to Norway, where she was to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This injury occurred during a high-risk sea crossing, as confirmed by her spokesperson.

Ukraine peace talks are intensifying as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with European and U.S. officials in Berlin to discuss security guarantees amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The discussions aim to establish a framework for Ukraine's security in light of the conflict that has persisted since 2014.