By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
US President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will provide between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, a move he said would place the proceeds under Washington’s control for the benefit of both countries.
In a post on his Truth Social platform late Tuesday, Trump said Venezuela’s interim authorities had agreed to hand over what he described as “sanctioned oil,” which would be sold at market value. According to him, the revenue would be managed by the US government and used to support the interests of both nations.
“The oil will be taken by storage ships and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States,” Trump wrote, adding that Energy Secretary Chris Wright had been directed to “execute this plan immediately”.
The announcement came against the backdrop of intensifying international criticism following a US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council was convened, where several member states condemned the raid.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the nighttime operation in Caracas violated the UN Charter, noting that roughly 200 US special forces personnel were involved in detaining Maduro before transferring him to the United States. Several Security Council members also described the raid as a breach of international law.
Russia and China demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, further escalating diplomatic tensions surrounding the operation.
Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearance in Manhattan and appeared defiant. The former leader insisted he remains Venezuela’s legitimate president despite his removal from power.
In Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was subsequently named interim leader. She initially denounced the US action, describing Washington as “extremists” and demanding proof of life for Maduro. Rodríguez also maintained that Maduro remained Venezuela’s rightful leader.
However, her tone later softened as she signalled openness to engagement with Washington. In a post on Instagram, Rodríguez said Venezuela was committed to peace and peaceful coexistence, extending an invitation to the United States to work toward a cooperation agenda.
“A message from Venezuela to the world, and to the United States: Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence,” she wrote. “Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation,” she added.
The unfolding crisis continues to raise questions about sovereignty, international law, and the future of Venezuela’s vast oil resources, even as global attention remains fixed on the geopolitical fallout of the US operation.
