Pressure on Maduro grows after US seizes ‘dark fleet’ tanker off coast of Venezuela

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid escalating tensions with the United States, particularly following a recent military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean region. This support comes as the U.S. has intensified its pressure campaign against Maduro's regime, including the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. The White House intends to hold the vessel at a Texas port while releasing the crew upon docking. This action marks a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region, part of an ongoing pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States is advocating for the establishment of a 'free economic zone' in eastern Ukraine, which would serve as a buffer between conflicting armies. Zelenskyy emphasized that any territorial arrangements would require a referendum to ensure legitimacy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to a new U.S. proposal for a 'free economic zone' in the contested Donbas region, aimed at facilitating a peace deal amid ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative is part of broader discussions as Ukraine prepares to submit revised proposals to U.S. negotiators.

Yana Leonova, a Belarusian woman extradited to the U.S. by the FBI, is facing deportation after immigration officials issued a sudden order to detain her. She is charged with multiple offenses, including fraud and conspiracy related to smuggling U.S. aviation parts to Russia. This abrupt action has led to legal turmoil surrounding her case, which was previously under federal prosecution for over a year.

The U.S. military has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

The Trump administration has announced the transfer of 760 acres of public land in California to the US Navy, establishing a new militarized zone aimed at enhancing border security operations along the southern US border. This decision reflects a significant shift towards increased militarization in response to ongoing immigration challenges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States continues to pressure Ukraine to concede territories to Russia as part of a peace plan. Zelensky highlighted that Washington is advocating for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from certain areas in the Donetsk region, where a proposed 'free economic zone' would be established.