Venezuelans went to polls on June 30 for mock elections ahead of the upcoming presidential vote, offering a glimpse of the challenges facing President Nicolás Maduro's bid for a third term amid widespread discontent and economic turmoil.
A fleet of Russian warships has entered Cuban waters, setting the stage for upcoming military exercises in the Caribbean amidst heightened international tensions linked to the war in Ukraine. The ships were greeted in Havana with 21 cannon salutes.
The Venezuelan Navy has recently augmented its military capabilities with the addition of new CM-90 anti-ship missiles (ASM) manufactured in Iran, according to the country's Ministry of Defence.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the United States' "unjust seizure" of the Venezuelan plane is illegal and violates the basic principles of the UN Charter and International law
Petrostates are currently confronted with significant challenges arising from the ongoing energy transition. The diminishing demand for oil and gas is exerting downward pressure on commodity prices, which in turn threatens future revenue streams.