Venezuela: A Call for Solidarity Amidst Geopolitical Pressure

• The kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores by the US military on January 3, 2026, has forced Venezuela into a tactical retreat to prevent total military destruction.
• The current Venezuelan government, led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, maintains internal unity and institutional integrity despite external coercion.
• International solidarity movements are urged to oppose US sanctions and interference rather than criticizing the tactical compromises made by the Venezuelan leadership.

The Context of the Invasion

• On January 3, 2026, the US military kidnapped President Maduro and Cilia Flores, resulting in over 100 deaths.
• This action followed decades of US-led economic warfare, including sanctions, asset theft, and diplomatic isolation.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly issued an ultimatum to the Venezuelan leadership: collaborate with US demands or face total military destruction.
• Acting President Delcy Rodríguez opted for a tactical retreat to preserve the state and prevent the destruction of Venezuela’s infrastructure and oil industry.

Economic and Political Realities

• The Venezuelan economy is currently operating at approximately 30% of its pre-sanctions capacity, further exacerbated by massive earthquake damage in June 2026 (estimated $37 billion in losses).
• Negotiations are underway to secure access to frozen assets and ease economic sanctions, which have crippled the nation's financial systems.
• Legislative reforms, including a new amnesty law that excludes individuals involved in violent crimes or treason, are being pursued to foster domestic reconciliation.

The Role of International Solidarity

• The authors argue against "third way" analyses that suggest the current leadership has betrayed the revolution, noting these perspectives lack viable local alternatives.
• The solidarity movement is encouraged to focus on pressuring their own governments in the imperial core (US, UK, Canada) to end sanctions and respect Venezuelan sovereignty.
• The article emphasizes that political decisions should remain internal to Venezuela, free from foreign interference or judgment from the international left.