Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro vowed on December 17, 2025, that his country will continue exporting oil despite a U.S.-imposed blockade targeting sanctioned tankers. Speaking in Caracas, Maduro condemned the United States for what he called "colonial aggression" and accused Washington of escalating tensions in the region.

Maduro confirmed that he had raised the issue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, calling for international attention to the situation. While Venezuelan oil exports have been largely halted in response to the blockade, sources indicate that state-owned PDVSA has begun gradually restarting operations following a cyberattack that disrupted production earlier this month.

The Venezuelan leader criticized the Trump administration’s strategy, insisting that Venezuela will maintain its trade relations and continue selling oil to willing international partners. Maduro also urged the UN Security Council to address the perceived U.S. aggression, framing the blockade as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.

The standoff underscores rising tensions between Washington and Caracas, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges surrounding Venezuelan oil, sanctions enforcement, and regional stability.