Maduro hits back at US over oil tanker seizures: Video
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday, December 22, called on US President Donald Trump to prioritise domestic issues in the United States, following Washington’s seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers and the announcement of new restrictions on sanctioned vessels.
Speaking at La Expo Motores Productivos 2025, a government-organised industrial and economic fair in Caracas, Maduro criticised US actions against his administration, including what he described as an airspace blockade and the interception of Venezuelan oil shipments. He argued that no leader should seek to interfere in the governance of other nations.
Maduro said US measures reflected an attempt to exert control beyond its borders, warning that such an approach undermines international relations. He added that focusing on external intervention, rather than domestic economic and social challenges, would amount to poor leadership.
The Venezuelan leader also referenced plans in Congress to advance legislation aimed at protecting the country’s vessels and safeguarding oil trade. According to Maduro, the proposed law would reinforce international agreements that prohibit piracy, attacks on commercial shipping and other crimes affecting global trade.
His comments follow an announcement by President Trump that the United States would impose a blockade on what it calls “sanctioned oil tankers” entering or leaving Venezuela. Washington has accused the Maduro government of using oil revenues to finance drug trafficking, terrorism and human trafficking, allegations that Caracas has repeatedly rejected.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
