Lula Vetoes 8 January Leniency as U.S. Tightens Control of Venezuelan Oil After Maduro’s Capture

Overview

• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a full veto of the bill that would have reduced sentences for 8 January offenders during a Planalto ceremony marking the attack’s third anniversary, leaving the final word to Congress, which can override the decision.
• The event carried an overt political tone and proceeded without the presidents of the Senate and the Chamber, as Lula praised the Supreme Court’s rulings and framed the date as a defense of democratic institutions.
• Interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez said she is prepared to negotiate oil sales with Washington, while keeping key security figures in place and setting an interim timetable of up to 180 days before elections.
• The U.S. government said it intends to control Venezuelan crude exports indefinitely, announced the seizure of two tankers linked to sanctioned oil, and stated that revenues from controlled sales would be held under U.S. oversight for distribution it deems beneficial.
• Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were injured and claimed about 100 deaths in the U.S. operation, and sources told Reuters that Washington warned Cabello he could be targeted if he resists the interim transition.