U.S. Preparing To Seize More Tankers Off Venezuela's Coast, Sources Say

Ana Corina Sosa, daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has reflected on her mother's recent escape from Venezuela and the implications for their future. Maria Corina Machado, who has been in hiding due to safety concerns under the Maduro regime, recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, which her daughter accepted on her behalf in Oslo.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado undertook a perilous escape from Venezuela to Norway, fearing for her life during the journey, which was reportedly supported by the United States. This escape was crucial for her to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony where she was honored for her efforts in promoting peace and democracy in Venezuela.

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move indicates a thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk.

The Cuban foreign ministry has condemned the U.S. military's seizure of the Skipper oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, labeling the act as 'piracy' and 'maritime terrorism.' This operation, which reportedly involved the capture of 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, is seen as a violation of international law and a direct attack on Cuba's economic interests, particularly its access to Venezuelan hydrocarbons.

Oil exports from Venezuela have come to a standstill following the U.S. military's seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, which was confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, with shipping data indicating a significant drop in oil exports since the incident.

Belarus has released a Nobel Prize laureate and other prominent political prisoners as the United States lifts sanctions against the country. This move signals a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk, with U.S. officials expressing a desire to normalize diplomatic ties.

Tensions are rising between the U.S. and Europe regarding strategies to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war, as highlighted by a discussion between NPR's Rob Schmitz and international relations expert Nathalie Tocci from Johns Hopkins University. Tocci emphasizes the differing political perspectives that are fueling this divide.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to holding elections in Ukraine, a move that comes amid increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump and ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy's willingness to consider elections reflects the complex political landscape in Ukraine, where he previously campaigned as a reformist leader seeking dialogue with Russia.