At the UN, Venezuela Accuses the United States of the 'Greatest Extortion in Our History'

At the United Nations, Venezuela accused the United States of committing the "greatest extortion in our history." During a UN Security Council meeting focused on U.S. military actions against Venezuela, Venezuelan representative Samuel Moncada stated that the U.S., which has deployed significant military forces and established a naval blockade against Venezuela, is responsible for this extortion, claiming it is due to accusations that Venezuela is financing "narcoterrorism."

Moncada emphasized that the U.S. is acting outside international law, demanding that Venezuelans leave their country or face an armed attack from President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action for weeks. He described this situation as the largest extortion attempt ever known.

President Trump has accused Venezuela of using its oil resources to fund "narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murders, and kidnappings." Caracas denies these allegations and asserts that Washington's goal is to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the largest in the world.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz responded at the UN, stating that the U.S. would do everything in its power to protect its hemisphere, borders, and citizens during this emergency meeting requested by Venezuela, with support from Russia and China.

Waltz reiterated Trump’s accusations against Maduro, labeling him a wanted fugitive in the U.S. justice system and the leader of the foreign terrorist organization known as the "Cartel de los Soles." However, many experts question the existence of this cartel, suggesting that it may be more about corrupt networks than an organized crime group.

The U.S. has increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million. Maduro is a loyal ally of Vladimir Putin, who has supported him since the beginning of Russia's military offensive in Ukraine.

Russia and China condemned the U.S. military and economic pressure on Venezuela, branding it as "cowboy behavior" and "intimidation," respectively. Russian Ambassador Vassili Nebenzia condemned U.S. actions as a blatant act of aggression, especially regarding the naval blockade against sanctioned oil tankers, stating that Washington's responsibility is evident in the catastrophic consequences of its actions.

Chinese representative Sun Lei declared that China opposes unilateralism and intimidation, supporting all nations in defending their sovereignty and national dignity.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General Khaled Khiari opened the meeting by stating that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is ready to support any diplomatic efforts, including offering his good offices if both parties request it.