Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Strikes at the Heart of Maduro’s Grip on Power

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.

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.

In Venezuela, rampant rumors circulate amid a backdrop of economic turmoil and U.S. military presence off the coast, creating a climate of uncertainty as the holiday season approaches. Reports suggest that these rumors have intensified following recent U.S. military actions, including the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, which has heightened tensions between the two nations.

The U.S. has escalated its military presence in the Caribbean, particularly targeting Venezuela, as President Trump considers various options against Nicolás Maduro's regime, including land strikes and electronic warfare. This move follows the recent seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, which Trump confirmed as part of a broader pressure campaign against Maduro.

A U.S. special operations team conducted a raid on a ship in the Indian Ocean last month, seizing military-related cargo destined for Iran from China. This operation reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from enhancing its military capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.

Canada will implement tighter limits on steel imports starting December 26, aimed at bolstering its domestic steel sector in response to significant tariffs imposed by the United States. This move is expected to restrict imports from countries without free-trade agreements with Canada, thereby protecting local industries.