On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Venezuela's government condemned President Donald Trump's order for a U.S. maritime blockade, branding it a "grave, reckless move" that flouts international law.
Government Backlash
The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) blasted the decision as a direct attack on free trade and freedom of navigation. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez called the announcement "delusional," emphasizing that the Caribbean Sea is governed by international rules, not controlled by any single power.
"The president of the United States has said that we are the thieves of the oil that lies beneath our soil. That is completely incoherent," Padrino said. He warned that such "lawless conduct" endangers Latin America and the Caribbean's stability and jeopardizes global energy security.
Mass Protests in Caracas
Thousands of residents of Caracas took to the streets the same day, rallying against what they see as U.S. threats. Caracas Mayor Carmen Melendez urged citizens to stand united, calling it a collective responsibility to defend national sovereignty.
"All communes must speak out against these violent threats by those who see themselves as supremacist rulers of the world," Melendez said.
Regional Alarm
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appealed to the United Nations for peaceful dispute resolution, warning against any U.S. military escalation. Her call highlights growing concern across Latin America over the blockade's implications for regional peace and cooperation.
What's Next?
With Caracas vowing to resist intervention and Washington holding firm on sanctions, tensions may escalate. The international community now watches for diplomatic moves that could defuse or deepen this standoff—and the potential ripple effects on energy markets worldwide.
Reference(s):
Venezuela slams U.S. maritime blockade as violation of intl law
cgtn.com
