Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has firmly rejected what he described as attempts by the United States to impose a model of colonial domination on Venezuela or seize its natural resources, stressing that such efforts are destined to fail.

Speaking on state television channel Venezolana de Televisión, Maduro said the US government is incapable of fabricating a “virtual reality” to justify its actions against Venezuela. Repeating part of his remarks in English, he emphasized that the Venezuelan people have demonstrated their ability to chart their own course and “lead the country on the right path.”

Maduro reaffirmed that Venezuela seeks peace and mutual understanding in its relations with the international community. He urged Washington to abandon what he called “failed projects” that the United States has pursued in Venezuela over the past 25 years. The president added that if the US is willing to engage in dialogue based on respect and equality, Caracas remains open to talks.

“If the United States is ready to engage on a respectful basis, we will always find here a president who represents his people, ready to reach out, to seek paths to peace, cooperation, and prosperity,” Maduro said.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington. US authorities have accused the Venezuelan government of failing to adequately combat drug trafficking in the region. In recent months, the US Navy has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, deploying a strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and involving more than 16,000 troops.

According to US statements, American naval forces have destroyed at least 28 motor boats in international waters since September, operations that reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people.

Tensions have also escalated over US actions against Venezuelan oil exports. On December 10, US President Donald Trump announced the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude. This was followed on December 20 by the confirmed seizure of the Panamanian-flagged tanker Centuries, and on December 21 reports that another vessel, Bella 1, was seized while en route to Venezuela under a Panamanian flag.

Caracas has repeatedly condemned these actions as illegal and as part of a broader campaign of economic pressure aimed at undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty. Maduro has insisted that despite sanctions, military pressure, and maritime seizures, Venezuela will continue to defend its independence and pursue a path of peace and self-determination. (ILKHA)