Putin Reaffirms Support for Maduro as Trump Imposes New Sanctions on Venezuela | Firstpost America
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Tensions around Venezuela are surging as a crucial Putin-Maduro phone call collides with a fresh wave of Trump sanctions. The Kremlin reaffirmed support for Maduro, promising deeper strategic cooperation just as Washington seized a Venezuelan-linked tanker and targeted new oil networks. Trump has tightened sanctions, threatened strikes and warned Maduro's "days are numbered," escalating fears of a wider confrontation. Caracas has condemned the tanker seizure as "naval piracy", while US officials insist they are enforcing sanctions. Regional governments are now weighing asylum options as opposition leader Maria Corina Machado re-emerges abroad. With Moscow backing Maduro and Washington turning the screws, the crisis is entering its most volatile phase yet.
