Emergency Session Called Amid Escalating U.S.-Venezuela Standoff
The UN Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on December 23 to address Venezuela's formal complaint against U.S. actions, including a recently imposed oil blockade. The session, requested by Caracas and confirmed by Slovenia’s UN Mission spokesperson Laura Miklic, follows Venezuela’s December 17 statement accusing Washington of violating international law through "aggressive measures targeting national sovereignty."
Blockade Intensifies Regional Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the blockade on December 18, claiming it targets "sanctioned oil vessels" allegedly financing activities deemed illicit by Washington. Venezuela’s Defense Ministry condemned the move as "crude piracy," asserting that the U.S. seeks regime change and control of Venezuela’s oil reserves. Recent U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean and maritime strikes have further strained relations, with over 90 casualties reported in disputed anti-narcotics operations.
International Reactions and Regional Stability
Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged restraint on December 19, warning that U.S. actions risk destabilizing the Western Hemisphere. Moscow reiterated support for President Nicolás Maduro’s government, emphasizing Latin America’s status as a "zone of peace." The UNSC meeting will test diplomatic resolve as Venezuela seeks multilateral intervention to counter what it calls Washington’s "colonial-style expansion."
