18.12.2025 06:30
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez stated that they will protect the homeland "at any cost" in response to the U.S. government's decision to block all tankers entering and leaving the country.
Speaking to state television VTV, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez stated that the national armed forces will protect all legitimate rights of Venezuela's airspace and seas without falling into provocation.
Lopez reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks targeting Venezuela, saying, "I am talking about the country and the president from North America; we will protect the integrity of the homeland at all costs."
"THIS STEP CONSTITUTES A CLEAR ATTACK"
Lopez argued that the order to block Venezuelan oil tankers clearly violates the United Nations Charter, stating, "Therefore, these steps constitute a clear attack, and we declare this to the whole world. Multilateral international organizations must think and act against this irrational warrior attitude that risks not only Venezuela but the entire Latin America and Caribbean region and global energy stability."
"NO STOLEN OIL WILL BE LEFT FOR ANY FOREIGN POWER"
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez emphasized in a statement on her social media account that no foreign power will be given free or stolen oil. Highlighting that the oil belongs to the Venezuelan people, Rodriguez stated, "We will continue to be free and independent in our energy relations. Together with President Nicolas Maduro, we will continue to defend the homeland."
WHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. President Trump announced that he had ordered the blocking of all Venezuelan oil tankers subject to sanctions. Venezuela accused the U.S. of "piracy" for seizing an oil tanker off its coast and sent an official letter to the United Nations Security Council regarding the matter.