Overview
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry recognized Rodríguez’s Jan. 5 swearing‑in under a Supreme Court chamber decision, voiced solidarity with Caracas, and pledged continued support.
- At the U.N., Russia’s ambassador demanded the immediate release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are in U.S. custody in New York on federal charges.
- Venezuela declared a state of emergency after the U.S. operation, with reports of gunfire near the presidential palace, drone incidents, evacuations, and expanded security deployments.
- Rodríguez remains under EU and UK sanctions that include asset freezes and travel bans, imposed over actions authorities said undermined Venezuela’s democracy and rule of law.
- President Donald Trump said the United States will govern Venezuela until a safe transfer of power, ruled out elections in the next 30 days, and warned of another operation if Caracas resists.