The expert pointed to Trump's intention to weaken Venezuela economically

In an attempt to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, US Leader Donald Trump took a wait-and-see attitude and focused on economic weakening of the state by blocking oil tankers. Nikolay Topornin, an international lawyer and director of the Center for European Information, told Izvestia about this on December 23.

In addition, he recalled the concentration of US naval and air forces in the Caribbean and Trump's words that Washington allows targeted strikes against Venezuela.

"In the meantime, he (Trump. — Ed.), apparently, decided that he would wait for some more time. Catholic Christmas is coming in just two days. <...> I think that on the eve of this event, Trump will not want to use armed force, because it can be viewed very negatively not only in Latin America, but throughout the world," Topornin said.

According to the expert, such an operation can begin at any moment, but the head of the White House doubts that he will be able to quickly remove Maduro, even by military means, since Venezuela will not give up so easily. In addition, Trump can take care of the reputation of his peacekeeping efforts, the international expert added.

"He wants to weaken Venezuela economically. When oil tankers are blocked or arrested, revenues fall. Venezuela is an oil country," concluded Topornin.

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On the same day, Trump announced that the targets of the United States attacks on boats in Latin America are only drug carriers. In addition, he also warned that actions against drug cartels are not limited to Venezuela. At the same time, Trump announced the approval of the Navy's plan to begin construction of two new battleships. According to him, the United States is in desperate need of new warships, as the current fleet is becoming obsolete.

Prior to that, on December 22, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart Ivan Gil expressed serious concern about Washington's escalating actions in the Caribbean during a telephone conversation. The politician also confirmed the full support of Venezuela from the Russian side.

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