U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to relinquish power, describing such a move as the most “intelligent decision” for the long-time leader. Speaking from his Florida residence, Trump warned that Maduro’s continued grip on power could worsen his political situation. The remarks come amid Washington’s tightening naval blockade targeting Venezuela’s oil sector, which the U.S. accuses of funding criminal activities including narcotics trafficking and human rights abuses.

Russia has strongly condemned the U.S. actions, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov labeling the naval operations and oil tanker seizures as threats to international maritime freedom and regional stability. Venezuela, backed by Russia and China, has requested a United Nations Security Council meeting, accusing the U.S. of “international piracy” and attempts at regime change. Maduro, in a letter to UN member states, warned that the blockade could disrupt global energy supplies. The escalating standoff underscores deepening geopolitical friction between Washington and Moscow over Latin America’s strategic oil resources.