Lula, Trump discuss ‘Board of Peace’, agree to meet in Washington: Brazil
Lula criticises US actions in Venezuela, calling the capture of Maduro an unacceptable line against regional stability.

Lula criticises US actions in Venezuela, calling the capture of Maduro an unacceptable line against regional stability.







![Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado speaks at the Heritage Foundation on January 16 [J Scott Applewhite/AP Photo]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AP26016622066184-1768595111.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)


The bodies of 32 Cuban soldiers killed during the US bombing of Venezuela have been returned to Cuba.
The type of oil held by Venezuela makes it particularly lucrative for US refineries, analysts say.
US forces say another Venezuela-linked tanker seized as Trump moves to take control of nation’s oil reserves.
Cuban president says soldiers fell defending ‘sovereignty of a sister nation’ amid escalating tensions with Washington.
Machado has argued that the opposition has a ‘mandate’ to succeed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump showers acting Venezuelan president with praise after first phone call since US abduction of President Maduro.
The announcement contradicts claims from local rights groups that no more than 70 prisoners have been freed.
The Venezuelan opposition figure has been largely frozen out of US discussions over the country’s future.
Penitentiary Services Ministry says those freed had been ‘deprived of their liberty’ for disruptive acts.