Venezuelan Defense Minister Warns CIA Operations Against Venezuela Will Fail Amid US Covert Action

US President Donald Trump praised India for its commitment to reducing Russian oil imports to nearly zero by the end of the year, contrasting this with China's strengthened ties with Russia under previous US administrations. Trump plans to discuss with Chinese President Xi Jinping ways to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, especially through energy and oil-related measures. Meanwhile, Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino asserted that any CIA covert operations authorized by Trump against Venezuela will fail, highlighting ongoing military exercises and Venezuela's preparedness to repel such actions. The US has deployed a fleet of destroyers, a submarine, and special forces in the Caribbean, which Venezuela views as part of an attempt to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro. Despite US claims that these forces are for anti-drug operations, Venezuelan officials emphasize a broader threat to national sovereignty and regional stability. Padrino stressed that defending Venezuela is a collective responsibility involving the military and the organized population to counter both external military threats and internal destabilization efforts.