In view of the escalating tensions between Venezuela and the USA, a lively exchange of blows broke out at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Dec 24, 2025, 3:42 amDec 24, 2025, 3:42 am
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, said Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is not a legitimate president, but a criminal who puts the proceeds from the sale of oil into drug deals.
The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz.Image: keystone
In view of the increasing pressure and the illegal blockade of the Venezuelan coast, the Russian representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, accused the USA of “cowboy” behavior that could have dramatic consequences. The blockade violates key norms of international law and the UN Charter. China, which sources oil from Venezuela, condemned the US’s unilateral actions as “bullying” and criticized interference in the Caribbean country’s internal affairs. This endangers peace and stability in Latin America. Freedom of navigation must be guaranteed.
Venezuela itself rejected the US allegations and accused Washington of waging an “illegal blockade war”. This aims to overthrow the government and take control of the South American country’s large oil reserves. The Venezuelan representative to the UN also told the Security Council that it was “absurd to believe that oil revenues are used to finance drugs.” Venezuela had requested the meeting of the most powerful UN body with the support of Moscow and Beijing. There was no formal decision.
USA justifies action with the fight against drug cartels
The background to this is the recent measures taken by the US government to further increase the pressure on Maduro. US President Donald Trump recently ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan ports. The USA also massively increased its military presence in the Caribbean. Numerous boats that were allegedly smuggling drugs to the USA were attacked in international waters.
Washington defends its actions as a fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. Trump accuses the government in Caracas of supporting drug cartels classified as terrorist organizations and posing a threat to US security.
Europe warns of escalation
European states such as Great Britain, France, Greece, Denmark and Slovenia united in the Security Council in calling for de-escalation and compliance with international law. At the same time, several European countries questioned Maduro’s democratic legitimacy, citing human rights violations and a lack of transparency in elections. However, they expressly rejected a military solution. (sda/dpa)