Friday World -January 5, 2026
New Delhi, January 5, 2026 – The dramatic U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, has sent shockwaves through global politics. According to the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung, this bold move by U.S. President Donald Trump has placed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an extremely precarious position — a true political minefield** where any response could prove disastrous.
→ Venezuela Crisis: Trump's High-Stakes Gamble On the night of January 3, 2026, U.S. special forces, including Delta Force units supported by over 150 aircraft, launched a large-scale strike on Caracas. The operation dismantled Venezuelan air defenses, allowing helicopters to insert troops directly into the capital. Maduro was captured near a safe house and swiftly transported out of the country, eventually arriving in New York to face federal charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and related conspiracies. Trump described the mission as "one of the most stunning and effective displays of American military might in history" and declared that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" occurs.
This action followed months of escalating tensions, including U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports. International legal experts have widely condemned it as a violation of national sovereignty, while Russia, China, and Cuba labeled it "state terrorism."
Zelenskyy's Dilemma: Every Reaction Is a Trap Berliner Zeitung describes the situation as "toxic" for Kyiv. Zelenskyy finds himself in a no-win scenario because any comment on the Venezuela events acts as a **political minefield**. The newspaper outlines three major risks:
1. Supporting the U.S. action
Endorsing Trump's intervention would undermine Zelenskyy's long-standing argument that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is illegal and violates international law. It would weaken his core narrative on sovereignty and self-determination.
2. Condemning the U.S.
Criticizing America risks provoking Trump's anger. The Trump administration remains a key provider of military aid and a central player in peace negotiations involving Ukraine. Such criticism could lead to reduced support or even personal/political consequences.
3. Staying silent
Remaining quiet also carries dangers, as it could damage Ukraine's international image and signal weakness in defending principles of international law. The newspaper further notes that the European Union faces a similar paralysis. Many EU countries quietly welcome the end of Maduro's authoritarian rule, but openly supporting the U.S. operation could strain relations with Washington — a risk Brussels appears unwilling to take, further isolating Kyiv.
Global Repercussions: The End of Established Rules? This event represents a major blow to international norms. Russia has seized on the hypocrisy, arguing that if the U.S. can justify regime change through military force, it sets a precedent that could legitimize its own actions in Ukraine. Several Latin American nations, including Mexico and Colombia, condemned the intervention as a dangerous precedent. Trump's statement that the U.S. will oversee Venezuela — potentially to restructure its oil industry — has led analysts to describe it as a new form of imperialism. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has cautiously hinted that "if dictators can be dealt with this way, then America knows what to do next," seen by many as an indirect reference to Russia. However, Berliner Zeitung warns that this perceived double standard will haunt Ukraine for years to come.
A New Era? The Venezuela crisis has exposed the fragility of global power balances. Trump's audacious operation has not only shaken Latin America but has also forced Europe and Ukraine to confront uncomfortable realities. For Zelenskyy, this is a genuine minefield — every step carries the risk of explosion. Will Ukraine navigate this crisis successfully, or will it mark the beginning of new, unpredictable rules in international politics? Only time will tell.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World -January 5, 2026
