Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly vowed loyalty to his nation and assured its freedom, following a confirmed telephone conversation with former US President Donald Trump. The call, which Trump acknowledged, marks a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas.
A Reported Ultimatum and Rising Pressure
According to reports, Donald Trump presented Nicolás Maduro with an ultimatum to relinquish power in Venezuela. This direct communication comes amidst a sharp increase in pressure from the Trump administration since his return to office. Recent actions have included military strikes on boats in the Caribbean and a heightened financial reward for information linking Maduro to narcoterrorism.
Maduro's Defiant Response
In his address to the nation, Maduro struck a defiant tone, rejecting any notion of submission. He framed the struggle as one for national sovereignty, implicitly responding to the demands from the United States. His pledge of loyalty was aimed at consolidating domestic support in the face of external pressure.
Implications for US-Venezuela Relations
The situation signifies a dangerous new phase in the long-standing political crisis. The combination of a direct ultimatum, military actions, and the narcoterrorism reward underscores a more aggressive US strategy. Analysts warn that this approach risks further destabilising the region and exacerbating the humanitarian situation within Venezuela, with no clear path to a diplomatic resolution currently in sight.
