Overview
- Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores remain in U.S. custody in New York awaiting trial on drug‑trafficking and related charges, and Maduro has pleaded not guilty while calling himself a “prisoner of war”.
- In Geneva, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil alleged the U.S. operation was an illegal military action that left more than 100 dead and pressed for the pair’s immediate release while saying Caracas is pursuing diplomacy.
- Caracas is rolling out a 2026 amnesty law presented as reconciliation, with 379 people granted amnesty this week, about 500 released since January, roughly 600 still jailed per Foro Penal, and exclusions covering certain offenses.
- Signs of a thaw with Western institutions include EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas saying she will propose lifting EU sanctions on President Delcy Rodriguez and UN rights officials discussing reopening their Venezuela office.
- Domestic dynamics remain fluid as President Delcy Rodriguez adopts a more conciliatory tone, dismisses deputy minister Camilla Fabri, and prison unrest prompts Red Cross access after a hunger strike at Rodeo I.