Venezuela Blames U.S. for 'Extortion' Over Oil Tanker Seizures

Thu Dec 25 2025 01:20:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a heated session at the UN Security Council, Venezuela's ambassador denounced the U.S. seizure of oil tankers as 'extortion,' asserting it exceeds acts of piracy. The ongoing tensions stem from a naval blockade ordered by President Trump.

Venezuela has accused the United States of 'extortion' at the UN Security Council following the seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers. The Venezuelan envoy, Samuel Moncada, criticized the U.S. for its actions, labeling them as more severe than piracy, and alleged they violate international law. Meanwhile, the U.S. maintains that these efforts are aimed at curbing drug trafficking, with President Trump stating that the U.S. may keep or sell the seized oil.

Venezuela has accused the United States of the greatest extortion at an emergency session of the UN Security Council in New York.

Washington's seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers was worse than piracy, the Venezuelan ambassador to the UN said.

The emergency meeting of the Security Council was called to discuss the seizure of the tankers, which took place off the coast of Venezuela earlier this month.

The US has also said it was pursuing a third Venezuelan oil tanker.

President Trump has accused Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro of leading a drugs cartel and said gangs had operated with impunity for too long.

On December 16, Trump ordered a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

The US president stated that the US will keep or sell the crude oil it has taken, as well as the vessels themselves.

The US has been building up its military presence in the Pacific and Caribbean Seas in recent months, sending 15,000 troops and a range of aircraft carriers and warships to the area.

The US carried out strikes on what it claims are Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, targeting over 20 vessels and killing at least 100 people. Some experts argue these strikes may violate laws governing armed conflict.

Venezuela's envoy to the UN described the US actions as pillaging and a recolonization attempt of Venezuela.

In response, US Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, stated that the US does not recognize Mr. Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, alleging that Maduro's control of the oil enables his fraudulent claims to power.

Russia and China also criticized the US actions during the UN meeting, suggesting they are aggressive and could set a precedent for future military actions against Latin American countries.

In conclusion, the situation continues to escalate as both nations uphold their claims and sentiments surrounding the controversial maritime actions.