The conversation with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, recorded on New Year's Eve, was broadcast on January 1 this year. on Venezuelan state television. First, Maduro accused the Trump administration of wanting to force a change of government in Venezuela and gain access to the country's rich oil resources.
Maduro said.
He later explained that it was time for the two countries to engage in serious talks — “based on solid facts.”
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world. – If they do [Amerykanie] they want oil, Venezuela is ready for American investments like Chevron – whenever they want, wherever they want and however they want, Maduro said.
The thing is that Chevron is the only major American oil company that, despite sanctions, can operate in Venezuela thanks to a special license. It extracts oil, sells some of it to the US and uses the proceeds to pay off Venezuela's debts.
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Now Maduro is signaling that he is ready to make financial concessions and wants to repay debts with raw materials if, in return, companies increase production again.
Escalation of the conflict between the US and Venezuela
Donald Trump accuses the government in Caracas of supporting drug cartels considered terrorist organizations and posing a threat to US security.
Attacks on Venezuela began in September 2025 off the Caribbean coast and then spread to the eastern Pacific. According to reports, as part of Operation Southern Spear [“Południowa Włócznia”] there are currently approximately 15,000 people in the region. American soldiers.
According to the latest data from the Trump administration, 35 boats suspected of drug smuggling were attacked. The death toll has risen to at least 115. Just before New Year's Eve, the United States attacked a port facility in Venezuela.
Trump threatens Maduro
At the end of November 2025, the Miami Herald reported that Trump called on Maduro to leave Venezuela during a telephone conversation. Maduro allegedly rejected it. Instead, at a rally in Caracas, he declared: “We don't want slave peace, we don't want colonial peace.”
Trump remained unfazed and continued to increase the pressure. Just before Christmas, the US president warned Maduro in a conversation with reporters: “If he does something, if he takes decisive action, this will be the last time he will be able to do it.” “We have a huge fleet for him. The biggest we've ever had, and definitely the biggest we've ever had in South America,” the US president added at the time.
The Caribbean may turn into a powder keg
The US is fighting drug cartels, transferring military units, and now there are fears that it is preparing for a military exchange of blows with Venezuela. — It is absolutely clear that a threat scenario is being created here. Maduro and his government should understand that America is determined to start a war with Venezuela if necessary, security expert Peter Neumann tells Bild. And it explains what can lead to a worst-case scenario.
Donald Trump recently shocked with his a ruthless course against drug cartels. At the beginning of November last year there was a surprising turn. “No, that's not true,” the US president said on a flight to Florida in response to a question about whether he was planning military attacks in Venezuela. Previously, reputable American media such as the Miami Herald and the Wall Street Journal reported that the attack could happen at any moment.
But while the denial sounds emphatic, Trump's actions say otherwise.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
