Interesting about AI generated support, but there's also a lot that's genuine. This from Robert Malone caused me to cancel my paid subscription to his Malone News Substack:
"Personally, I am more than a little disappointed in the statements from Rep. Massie and Rep. MTG regarding the capture of Maduro. Lots can still go wrong with President Trump’s strategy.
But here is the thing about Trump. He is a master negotiator, and Marco Rubio has turned into one of the best statesmen we have. Together, they can turn the decades-long disaster that is Venezuela into another success story." WTF???
The PP opinion at the end is a good analysis of the situation. They may all be crooks and criminals, but I hope the Venezuelan government can hold their country together, and Trump ends up with egg on his face (or being arrested for the criminal he is). The piece about the bot generated propaganda is also in the mark.
If Trump sends the petro companies into Venezuela he will have to send troops, also, to protect them. There are elements there that will not take kindly to the theft of their oil; elements that have no aversion to violence.
Here is the bottom line about Venezuela and trying to influence it and or take it over. As somebody’s already pointed out Hugo Chavez divided Venezuela into eight military districts, not civilian control, military control and they pretty well do what they want.
The terrain of Venezuela is such that it is perfect for continuous guerrilla warfare for decades. It would be just like trying to go into Afghanistan times 10.
To subdue Venezuela in any meaningful way, we would need probably 600,000 to 1,000,000 ground troops . We could not subdue Vietnam with 500,000 troops there Venezuela is three times bigger or better than Vietnam so this is like getting back to World War II and the invasion of Japan in 1945 with an estimated 1 million ground troops..
We don’t have 1 million ground troops and the only way to get to that number would be to reinstate the draft now how do you think that will play out on the left and the right?
Will all of these armchair generals, who are supporting Trump going to be in favor of sitting their children and grandchildren to fight Venezuela ?
The amount of hypocrisy and mendacity surrounding this entire operation is beyond the pale .
There's definitely something off about that dude, Kat. He always looks like the kid caught stealing apples from the farmer's orchard. Shifty and evasive.
Yesterday, I learned about the invasion through Garland Nixon's talk with Scott and LJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qAjwVPPVpI ---Both men appeared, separately, in the afternoon, talking to the Judge. I find Ritter's explanation for imposing sanctions on Venezuala, China, Russia, Iran, to be mind-opening, for the expectation of weakening the governments (deceiving by shiny relief expectations of no more sanctions if only said government plays the tune of USrael!), in order for the citizenry to grow angry and, feeling abandoned by their government, to lash out in protest that escalate into nation-wide radical violence.
USrael's Justification: could it be that both nations actively invite the utter collapse of law and order in the US, in order to impose the tyranny of technological mass oppression, i.e. the surveillance state with central bank digital currency nirvana, as defined by the WEF??? I'm serious
I know, it is going to be hurtful to many but they don't call those countries banana republics for nothing, banana republic being a euphemism for corrupt regimes and toy armies.
***Some news (from there)--the chief of Maduro's security detail as well as a number of others have been bought by the US. In fact, there was a Russian military group which rushed to Maduro residence but it was held off by the fire of ... yep, Maduro security people. By the time Russians dealt with those traitors, Maduro was already gone. The chief of security detail has been caught and was executed already. So, this is update for you. Meanwhile))***
So, maybe NOT "Mission Accomplished!"? The analogy doesn't fit exactly, but I'm old enough to recall the US setting up "their" government in South Vietnam, thinking that they could run the country from a distance. If they have enough corrupted locals to run it under Gauleiter Rubio then it might work. If not, hello Danang 1965 and US troops on the ground to at least some degree.
For some time now, I've concluded that American killings of other persons anywhere near or far is an acceptable population reduction method. Frightening to death, as Trump continues painting the white house gold, to please his _______ patrons.
.There is No Doubt China and Russia were in on it - There is no possible alternative answer
In a true "fog of war" with unidentified U.S. helicopters and strikes, standard procedure for any great-power - and you had three here - Russia and China - as well as Venezuela = Is shoot first and ask questions later
So I surmise:
China was promised uninterupted flow of oil ( Venezuela debt to China is said to be 100 B )
Russia was promised restraint in Ukraine
And Trump promised he would leave the current regime in place ( other than Maduro and Wife ) and not put in Machado
Knowing the promises are probably worthless but at least short term provides notice and time to make alternate plans
US probably said we are going in with you or without you - and without you there would be widespread destruction
And Russia and China afraid of US irrational responses based on US need to refinance 9T
Yes 9 Trillion in Debt needs to be refinanced by US in 2026
--------------- If I am wrong we will see
China vast and expedited selling of Treasuries scaring the markets and devastating US ability to refinance the 9 T
------ If I am correct we will see the uninterupted flow of oil to China - at least short term
There is No Doubt China and Russia were in on it - There is no possible alternative answer
Anything's possible in this looking-glass world, but Russia and China have learned the hard way what American "promises" amount to. The NSS stated that China was no longer a military target - then sent massive amounts of dosh to Taiwan for defence.
After the attempted killing of Putin why would Putin trust any such assurances? If all the benefits to Trump are as you suggest, that seems like no more than a bone to Russia, and by implication to China.
China won't do an expedited sale of Ts. They will continue their drawdown.
My guess is they acquiesced because they are unable to project sufficient power to another hemisphere--yet--short of nukes.
I think this $9 Trillion in US Debt refinance in 2026 requirement is not only historic but is ruling the US panic - US Had to take Venezuela - it was a requirement - to gain collateral to refinance - US hope was probably initially Ukraine but knowing that was a tremendous blunder - they went closer to home
The threat on Putin life - just gives Russia the go ahead to finish off Ukraine - and I would not be surprised if the US knew of the attempt and maybe even warned Russia - I bet the US warned Russia - because the Russian response against US the lack of outrage - is muted --- I bet This was a gift from the US to Russia
it gives everyone in the world the understanding that Russia now has the right to move forward
Even if the US UA UK threat on Putin was not an intended gift - it was a great gift
--- Noted: Ukraine / US / Britian drones have previously gotten through to oil and other infrastructure including the Russian 'nuclear' planes - seems surprising not one got even close on this occassion ---
I surmise that China and Russia are afraid of the irrational responses destined by a fast US decline/fall and would rather see US decline slowly
this $9 Trillion in US Debt refinance in 2026 - just the unknown panic
The US planned the raid, so why would they warn Putin? As Scott Ritter said, the Russians have some of the drones that were used and have traced the technology back to its source: the US.
Putin said: Throw us a bone in Ukraine where we've basically won already, and you go ahead and attack Iran? You don't see more complications to this? Russia and China were not in a position to stop Trump's action here--limited as it was. They may have HAD TO acquiesce, but I very much doubt they'd accept a quid pro quo for a betrayal. They'd have too much to lose in the eyes of the world.
Too much to lose, and they're in tandem, collegues of India and Iran's friendship for commercial and national strategic productivity for the lon haul. I can't envision two successful partners condescending to compromise their success for the sake of their sneaky, disingenuous adversary, led by a shallow thinker who only wants money and power for the sake of vanity. Outrageously poor judgment by America.
Or at least China and Russia decided that Venezuela is not worth trying to support given the long supply lines. Strategically speaking, Venezuela is not that important. Further, they perhaps just allowed the US to step into another pile of sh?t.
Strategically not so important, but economically actually quite important. China has invested billions in South America. Will they now lose that? Your second point seems more likely: the wise old sages in Moscow and Beijing are hoping for Vietnam Lite.
Would CHINA walk away from 100 B in Venezuela debt [ $62 billion in 2025 loans ]
and give up willingly on oil flow from Venezuela [ Venezuela supplied 15% of China's heavy crude imports in 2025 (EIA data) ]
- without a fight - without even an argument - I find that doubtful
- rest assured this was all pre-planned and agreed to - and China received something of value in return - well that is my guess
Of course no one would be foolish enough to believe the US - but at least short term China felt comfortable with promises that would likely be broken later-
Perhaps Taiwan was thrown in the bargain - but just like " Not One Inch Further With NATO " that is probably useless
Seems to me that this is the US taking over the dirty money, away from London controlled Cayman and Caribbean 'banks' and so that's why things went so smoothly as it's no big deal to Caracas, Bogota might have to move their bank accounts to US Caribbean 'banks' soon. Poor oul London though, no more sterling being bought by the narcos will break many a stiff upper lip.
Both China and Russia had advance informal notice of the U.S. operation and acquiesced through inaction to prioritize strategic interests over direct defense of Maduro.
This is all very interesting - as Scott R wrote - this was an amazing strategy and accomplishment - as another person I read wrote - all accomplished within 3 hours
But as No One Has Asked - Nor Addressed - and Most Importantly
1. CHINA HAD A DELEGATION THERE - likely with security forces - if indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
2. RUSSIA HAD ADVISORS ON THE GROUND - - likely with security forces - if indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
They Knew - They Consented
So the real inquiry is - What do Russia and China get out of this [ despite their whimper of objections ] ?
The object facts are as follows:
FACT PATTERN A.
Reported: Chinese officials arrived in Venezuela for talks with President Maduro.4 hours later, the US launched large airstrikes on Venezuela's capital in a major escalation.The Chinese delegation that met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas (at Miraflores Palace) on January 2, 2026—just hours before the reported U.S. airstrikes and capture of Maduro on January 3—was led by Qiu Xiaoqi (also spelled Qiu Xiaoqi in some reports). He serves as China's Special Envoy / Special Representative for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, representing President Xi Jinping.
Key members of the delegation, based on reports from Venezuelan state media, Orinoco Tribune, and other sources covering the meeting:
Qiu Xiaoqi — Head of the delegation; Special Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean (career diplomat with prior ambassadorships in Bolivia, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico).
Lan Hu — China's Ambassador to Venezuela (resident in Caracas, part of the embassy team attending).Liu Bo — Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wang Hao — Deputy Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Liu Xen — Attaché for the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Other senior officials from China's Foreign Ministry (Latin America department) were also present,
FACT PATTERN B.
Russia's 2025 military aid to Venezuela—including S-300/400 air defenses and satellite intelligence sharing—makes undetected U.S. entry iimpossible without prior awareness or stand-down.
Maduro's regime relied on Russian advisors (estimated 200 on-site per 2025 U.S. intelligence assessments), yet the raid faced "no resistance" (per X posts and CBS News). This echoes 2025 patterns where Russia avoided direct clashes with the U.S. (e.g., in Syria), prioritizing Ukraine commitments over Latin American proxies.
Key Data Point 1: Russia exported $1.2 billion in air defense systems to Venezuela in 2025 (SIPRI arms trade database), including Buk-M2E destroyed in the raid (Defense Blog, January 3, 2026), but systems were jammed/overwhelmed, suggesting no real-time Russian activation.
Key Data Point 2: Russian satellite intelligence (GLONASS network, upgraded 2025) covers the Caribbean; 2025 joint exercises with Venezuela simulated U.S. incursions, yet no alerts were issued (per Tass, no pre-raid warnings reported).
Key Data Point 3: Post-raid, Russia's Foreign Ministry condemned the "armed aggression" (January 3 statement) and called for a UN Security Council meeting, expressing "solidarity" via Lavrov's call to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, but no troop movements or cyber responses (contrast with 2025 Ukraine escalations).
Key Data Point 4: Potential on-site advisors: 2025 reports (Moscow Times) indicate Russian Wagner remnants in Venezuela for oil security; X semantic searches show humiliation narratives but no confirmed Russian casualties or engagements.
Key Data Point 5: Economic calculus: Venezuela owed Russia $3 billion in 2025 (per Rosneft filings), but Moscow's focus on Europe (e.g., 2025 Nord Stream repairs) limited bandwidth for intervention, per Medvedev's nuclear rhetoric (January 3) as bluff rather than action.
=========================================
Initially I thought - Wow incredible US surprise - US knew Maduro was there and I surmised that Venezuelan forces were in stand down because - CHINA delegation was there - so another US surprise attack during 'negotiations' However
I was not aware of the speed [ 3 hours ] and the limited damage
GIVEN
1. CHINA HAD A DELEGATION THERE - likely with security forces - in indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
2. RUSSIA HAD ADVISORS ON THE GROUND - - likely with security forces - in indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
The problem Trump's regime will find is that Venezuela's government is decentralized primarily into regions with military leadership. Did the CIA bribe all the areas or just those beside Maduro?
Did you notice how quickly they replaced Maduro?
If Russia came in and took Trump to prosecute him for war crimes, does that mean they can run the US? LOL
Vance would be POTUS, and on down the line, and if Russia took all of Washington, the states would refuse to cooperate. So, when Trump said, "We'll run Venezuela," he just demonstrated his child-like brain again.
In the infamous words of Coach Lee Corso, "Not. So. Fast!"
Exactly, Todd. I was telling my wife that in the car headed for Mass. And there's more. How will Trump fix Venezuela's oil industry if the country descends into chaos?
Perhaps all of the surviving Ukrainian army, militia, and refinery/bridges/shipbuilding members would be promised fantastic earnings to relocate to Venezuela to repair oil industry equipment. And if they don't get paid, well, they'll become embedded terrorists against all, particulary against USA.
Venezuela and the Dominion Voting Machine headquarters is said to be a fact. USA elections not facilitated by international fraud would be a step in the right direction.
Earlier I listened to Glenn Diesen interviewing Jeffrey Sachs about the Venezuela attack and kidnapping. https://glenndiesen.substack.com/p/jeffrey-sachs-us-attacks-venezuela. Sachs stated that we must understand US policy is long-term. Venezuela has been a 20-year project, as Ukraine was a 30-yr. project to bring it into the American military orbit. Syria was a 13-yr. project. Iran has been a project since 1953; the current protests are part of the script. He recommended reading Covert Regime Change by Lindsey O'Rourke, a student of John Mearsheimer. https://www.amazon.com/Covert-Regime-Change-Americas-Security/dp/1501761730/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0.
Interesting about AI generated support, but there's also a lot that's genuine. This from Robert Malone caused me to cancel my paid subscription to his Malone News Substack:
"Personally, I am more than a little disappointed in the statements from Rep. Massie and Rep. MTG regarding the capture of Maduro. Lots can still go wrong with President Trump’s strategy.
But here is the thing about Trump. He is a master negotiator, and Marco Rubio has turned into one of the best statesmen we have. Together, they can turn the decades-long disaster that is Venezuela into another success story." WTF???
The PP opinion at the end is a good analysis of the situation. They may all be crooks and criminals, but I hope the Venezuelan government can hold their country together, and Trump ends up with egg on his face (or being arrested for the criminal he is). The piece about the bot generated propaganda is also in the mark.
If Trump sends the petro companies into Venezuela he will have to send troops, also, to protect them. There are elements there that will not take kindly to the theft of their oil; elements that have no aversion to violence.
Here is the bottom line about Venezuela and trying to influence it and or take it over. As somebody’s already pointed out Hugo Chavez divided Venezuela into eight military districts, not civilian control, military control and they pretty well do what they want.
The terrain of Venezuela is such that it is perfect for continuous guerrilla warfare for decades. It would be just like trying to go into Afghanistan times 10.
To subdue Venezuela in any meaningful way, we would need probably 600,000 to 1,000,000 ground troops . We could not subdue Vietnam with 500,000 troops there Venezuela is three times bigger or better than Vietnam so this is like getting back to World War II and the invasion of Japan in 1945 with an estimated 1 million ground troops..
We don’t have 1 million ground troops and the only way to get to that number would be to reinstate the draft now how do you think that will play out on the left and the right?
Will all of these armchair generals, who are supporting Trump going to be in favor of sitting their children and grandchildren to fight Venezuela ?
The amount of hypocrisy and mendacity surrounding this entire operation is beyond the pale .
RT @RT_com
9h
Secretary of State Marco Rubio would take the leading administration role in running Venezuela — Bloomberg
On Jan.3, Simplicius included in his post a great meme of a man who has come into his destiny: Little Marco!
https://open.substack.com/pub/simplicius76/p/trumps-golden-hour-historically-flawless?r=2vzf0g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Scroll down through the post until you see the fancy uniform.
So, this is for the benefit of Israel's burgeoning millionaire/billionaire class of dual citizens. Rubio the perfect useful idiot.
What could go wrong?!
Hopefully, everything!
A lot.
There's definitely something off about that dude, Kat. He always looks like the kid caught stealing apples from the farmer's orchard. Shifty and evasive.
Rubio's face is generally expressionless.
Dead, like most psychopaths
Yesterday, I learned about the invasion through Garland Nixon's talk with Scott and LJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qAjwVPPVpI ---Both men appeared, separately, in the afternoon, talking to the Judge. I find Ritter's explanation for imposing sanctions on Venezuala, China, Russia, Iran, to be mind-opening, for the expectation of weakening the governments (deceiving by shiny relief expectations of no more sanctions if only said government plays the tune of USrael!), in order for the citizenry to grow angry and, feeling abandoned by their government, to lash out in protest that escalate into nation-wide radical violence.
USrael's Justification: could it be that both nations actively invite the utter collapse of law and order in the US, in order to impose the tyranny of technological mass oppression, i.e. the surveillance state with central bank digital currency nirvana, as defined by the WEF??? I'm serious
I don't know Andrei's source, but:
I know, it is going to be hurtful to many but they don't call those countries banana republics for nothing, banana republic being a euphemism for corrupt regimes and toy armies.
***Some news (from there)--the chief of Maduro's security detail as well as a number of others have been bought by the US. In fact, there was a Russian military group which rushed to Maduro residence but it was held off by the fire of ... yep, Maduro security people. By the time Russians dealt with those traitors, Maduro was already gone. The chief of security detail has been caught and was executed already. So, this is update for you. Meanwhile))***
Thanks for that information Mark, reassuring to know that Russian military were there.
Not at all surprising. What Israel almost got away with in Iran has worked in Venezuela: the subversion of much of the state apparatus.
Thanks, now I'll go find that podcast...
Ryan Rozbiani @RyanRozbiani
13h
Here is the PROOF directly from the US Ambassador to Israel
Mike Huckabee calls the U.S. Overthrow of Nicolás Maduro “Great News” for Israel
So it wasn't about the Drug Cartels?
Huckabee is a christian-zionist, an insider, and grifter (professional politician) who lost credibility with me a long time ago.
Now don't be cynical, Mark. I'm sure Maduro was shipping those drugs to Israel too!
Protests in support of Maduro have erupted across Venezuela - RT
Maduro, hold on, the people are RISING up' — RT captures MASS PROTESTS across Venezuela against kidnapping of their president
So, maybe NOT "Mission Accomplished!"? The analogy doesn't fit exactly, but I'm old enough to recall the US setting up "their" government in South Vietnam, thinking that they could run the country from a distance. If they have enough corrupted locals to run it under Gauleiter Rubio then it might work. If not, hello Danang 1965 and US troops on the ground to at least some degree.
The US killed at least 40 people in the airstrikes on Venezuela, including military personnel and civilians, local official says - NYT
The US Military Killed 80 Year Old Rosa Gonzalez in Her Apartment The New York Times
Glad they got Rosa. She was probably putting stamps on packets of fentanyl when they hit her. Another innocent person murdered by the Evil Empire.
For some time now, I've concluded that American killings of other persons anywhere near or far is an acceptable population reduction method. Frightening to death, as Trump continues painting the white house gold, to please his _______ patrons.
Megatron @Megatron_ron
11m
NEW:
  Chile’s President Gabriel Boric with the warning for the World after the US kidnapping of Maduro:
"Today it's Venezuela, tomorrow it could be any other"
Yep. Next stop maybe Colombia and definitely Iran.
.There is No Doubt China and Russia were in on it - There is no possible alternative answer
In a true "fog of war" with unidentified U.S. helicopters and strikes, standard procedure for any great-power - and you had three here - Russia and China - as well as Venezuela = Is shoot first and ask questions later
So I surmise:
China was promised uninterupted flow of oil ( Venezuela debt to China is said to be 100 B )
Russia was promised restraint in Ukraine
And Trump promised he would leave the current regime in place ( other than Maduro and Wife ) and not put in Machado
Knowing the promises are probably worthless but at least short term provides notice and time to make alternate plans
US probably said we are going in with you or without you - and without you there would be widespread destruction
And Russia and China afraid of US irrational responses based on US need to refinance 9T
Yes 9 Trillion in Debt needs to be refinanced by US in 2026
--------------- If I am wrong we will see
China vast and expedited selling of Treasuries scaring the markets and devastating US ability to refinance the 9 T
------ If I am correct we will see the uninterupted flow of oil to China - at least short term
There is No Doubt China and Russia were in on it - There is no possible alternative answer
.
Anything's possible in this looking-glass world, but Russia and China have learned the hard way what American "promises" amount to. The NSS stated that China was no longer a military target - then sent massive amounts of dosh to Taiwan for defence.
Thinking this over I'm doubtful.
"Russia was promised restraint in Ukraine"
After the attempted killing of Putin why would Putin trust any such assurances? If all the benefits to Trump are as you suggest, that seems like no more than a bone to Russia, and by implication to China.
China won't do an expedited sale of Ts. They will continue their drawdown.
My guess is they acquiesced because they are unable to project sufficient power to another hemisphere--yet--short of nukes.
Putin accepts a bone in Ukraine while Trump is pivoting for war on Iran--multiple refueling tankers heading to Europe?
I think you need to work the Kill Putin attempt into this. If you're correct, this could still blow up in Trump's face along the lines PP presents.
I think this $9 Trillion in US Debt refinance in 2026 requirement is not only historic but is ruling the US panic - US Had to take Venezuela - it was a requirement - to gain collateral to refinance - US hope was probably initially Ukraine but knowing that was a tremendous blunder - they went closer to home
The threat on Putin life - just gives Russia the go ahead to finish off Ukraine - and I would not be surprised if the US knew of the attempt and maybe even warned Russia - I bet the US warned Russia - because the Russian response against US the lack of outrage - is muted --- I bet This was a gift from the US to Russia
it gives everyone in the world the understanding that Russia now has the right to move forward
Even if the US UA UK threat on Putin was not an intended gift - it was a great gift
--- Noted: Ukraine / US / Britian drones have previously gotten through to oil and other infrastructure including the Russian 'nuclear' planes - seems surprising not one got even close on this occassion ---
I surmise that China and Russia are afraid of the irrational responses destined by a fast US decline/fall and would rather see US decline slowly
this $9 Trillion in US Debt refinance in 2026 - just the unknown panic
.
The US planned the raid, so why would they warn Putin? As Scott Ritter said, the Russians have some of the drones that were used and have traced the technology back to its source: the US.
Putin said: Throw us a bone in Ukraine where we've basically won already, and you go ahead and attack Iran? You don't see more complications to this? Russia and China were not in a position to stop Trump's action here--limited as it was. They may have HAD TO acquiesce, but I very much doubt they'd accept a quid pro quo for a betrayal. They'd have too much to lose in the eyes of the world.
Too much to lose, and they're in tandem, collegues of India and Iran's friendship for commercial and national strategic productivity for the lon haul. I can't envision two successful partners condescending to compromise their success for the sake of their sneaky, disingenuous adversary, led by a shallow thinker who only wants money and power for the sake of vanity. Outrageously poor judgment by America.
Or at least China and Russia decided that Venezuela is not worth trying to support given the long supply lines. Strategically speaking, Venezuela is not that important. Further, they perhaps just allowed the US to step into another pile of sh?t.
Strategically not so important, but economically actually quite important. China has invested billions in South America. Will they now lose that? Your second point seems more likely: the wise old sages in Moscow and Beijing are hoping for Vietnam Lite.
Agreed in part - however - perspective counts
Would CHINA walk away from 100 B in Venezuela debt [ $62 billion in 2025 loans ]
and give up willingly on oil flow from Venezuela [ Venezuela supplied 15% of China's heavy crude imports in 2025 (EIA data) ]
- without a fight - without even an argument - I find that doubtful
- rest assured this was all pre-planned and agreed to - and China received something of value in return - well that is my guess
Of course no one would be foolish enough to believe the US - but at least short term China felt comfortable with promises that would likely be broken later-
Perhaps Taiwan was thrown in the bargain - but just like " Not One Inch Further With NATO " that is probably useless
Seems to me that this is the US taking over the dirty money, away from London controlled Cayman and Caribbean 'banks' and so that's why things went so smoothly as it's no big deal to Caracas, Bogota might have to move their bank accounts to US Caribbean 'banks' soon. Poor oul London though, no more sterling being bought by the narcos will break many a stiff upper lip.
Both China and Russia had advance informal notice of the U.S. operation and acquiesced through inaction to prioritize strategic interests over direct defense of Maduro.
This is all very interesting - as Scott R wrote - this was an amazing strategy and accomplishment - as another person I read wrote - all accomplished within 3 hours
But as No One Has Asked - Nor Addressed - and Most Importantly
1. CHINA HAD A DELEGATION THERE - likely with security forces - if indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
2. RUSSIA HAD ADVISORS ON THE GROUND - - likely with security forces - if indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
They Knew - They Consented
So the real inquiry is - What do Russia and China get out of this [ despite their whimper of objections ] ?
The object facts are as follows:
FACT PATTERN A.
Reported: Chinese officials arrived in Venezuela for talks with President Maduro.4 hours later, the US launched large airstrikes on Venezuela's capital in a major escalation.The Chinese delegation that met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas (at Miraflores Palace) on January 2, 2026—just hours before the reported U.S. airstrikes and capture of Maduro on January 3—was led by Qiu Xiaoqi (also spelled Qiu Xiaoqi in some reports). He serves as China's Special Envoy / Special Representative for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, representing President Xi Jinping.
Key members of the delegation, based on reports from Venezuelan state media, Orinoco Tribune, and other sources covering the meeting:
Qiu Xiaoqi — Head of the delegation; Special Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean (career diplomat with prior ambassadorships in Bolivia, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico).
Lan Hu — China's Ambassador to Venezuela (resident in Caracas, part of the embassy team attending).Liu Bo — Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wang Hao — Deputy Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Liu Xen — Attaché for the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Other senior officials from China's Foreign Ministry (Latin America department) were also present,
FACT PATTERN B.
Russia's 2025 military aid to Venezuela—including S-300/400 air defenses and satellite intelligence sharing—makes undetected U.S. entry iimpossible without prior awareness or stand-down.
Maduro's regime relied on Russian advisors (estimated 200 on-site per 2025 U.S. intelligence assessments), yet the raid faced "no resistance" (per X posts and CBS News). This echoes 2025 patterns where Russia avoided direct clashes with the U.S. (e.g., in Syria), prioritizing Ukraine commitments over Latin American proxies.
Key Data Point 1: Russia exported $1.2 billion in air defense systems to Venezuela in 2025 (SIPRI arms trade database), including Buk-M2E destroyed in the raid (Defense Blog, January 3, 2026), but systems were jammed/overwhelmed, suggesting no real-time Russian activation.
Key Data Point 2: Russian satellite intelligence (GLONASS network, upgraded 2025) covers the Caribbean; 2025 joint exercises with Venezuela simulated U.S. incursions, yet no alerts were issued (per Tass, no pre-raid warnings reported).
Key Data Point 3: Post-raid, Russia's Foreign Ministry condemned the "armed aggression" (January 3 statement) and called for a UN Security Council meeting, expressing "solidarity" via Lavrov's call to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, but no troop movements or cyber responses (contrast with 2025 Ukraine escalations).
Key Data Point 4: Potential on-site advisors: 2025 reports (Moscow Times) indicate Russian Wagner remnants in Venezuela for oil security; X semantic searches show humiliation narratives but no confirmed Russian casualties or engagements.
Key Data Point 5: Economic calculus: Venezuela owed Russia $3 billion in 2025 (per Rosneft filings), but Moscow's focus on Europe (e.g., 2025 Nord Stream repairs) limited bandwidth for intervention, per Medvedev's nuclear rhetoric (January 3) as bluff rather than action.
=========================================
Initially I thought - Wow incredible US surprise - US knew Maduro was there and I surmised that Venezuelan forces were in stand down because - CHINA delegation was there - so another US surprise attack during 'negotiations' However
I was not aware of the speed [ 3 hours ] and the limited damage
GIVEN
1. CHINA HAD A DELEGATION THERE - likely with security forces - in indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
2. RUSSIA HAD ADVISORS ON THE GROUND - - likely with security forces - in indeed it was a surprise and a ' Fog of War ' there is No Way China security is not reacting and shooting
They Knew - They Consented
What did they get out of this ?
.
💯 This was a coordinated extraction (show) wherein all three countries agreed beforehand.
exactly
If your spec is correct, that militates strongly against Ritter's claim that the US is about to flip most of Latin America.
Truly when has anything Mr Ritter has predicted come to fruition Mark. Especially in regards Russian Fed who he works for on a part time basis.
Same with LJ.
The problem Trump's regime will find is that Venezuela's government is decentralized primarily into regions with military leadership. Did the CIA bribe all the areas or just those beside Maduro?
Did you notice how quickly they replaced Maduro?
If Russia came in and took Trump to prosecute him for war crimes, does that mean they can run the US? LOL
Vance would be POTUS, and on down the line, and if Russia took all of Washington, the states would refuse to cooperate. So, when Trump said, "We'll run Venezuela," he just demonstrated his child-like brain again.
In the infamous words of Coach Lee Corso, "Not. So. Fast!"
Exactly, Todd. I was telling my wife that in the car headed for Mass. And there's more. How will Trump fix Venezuela's oil industry if the country descends into chaos?
Perhaps all of the surviving Ukrainian army, militia, and refinery/bridges/shipbuilding members would be promised fantastic earnings to relocate to Venezuela to repair oil industry equipment. And if they don't get paid, well, they'll become embedded terrorists against all, particulary against USA.
And how would he keep it fixed? Refineries are uniquely vulnerable to "accidents" and terrorist attacks.
Venezuela and the Dominion Voting Machine headquarters is said to be a fact. USA elections not facilitated by international fraud would be a step in the right direction.
The fraud is run by the CIA--who do you think runs the biggest regime change op in the world, including in the US?
Bingo!