Trump's return ramps up US pressure on Caracas: Venezuelan official
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Following Donald Trump's return to the presidency, the US has escalated sanctions on Venezuela, according to Venezuelan Vice Minister William Castillo at SPIEF 2025.
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President Donald Trump, accompanied by Colombian President Ivan Duque, not pictured, speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 2, 2020, in Washington (AP)
Following the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office, the United States has escalated its economic pressure on Venezuela, according to Venezuelan Vice Minister for Anti-Blockade Policies William Castillo in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Venezuelan Vice Minister for Anti-Blockade Policies William Castillo, speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), noted that out of the 1,039 sanctions imposed on Venezuela, 80% were signed by Donald Trump, adding that the former US president revoked licenses previously issued by the administration of Joe Biden and reignited trade tensions.
Castillo stated that Washington has intensified efforts to hinder Venezuela's technological advancement by restricting technology exports to the South American nation while simultaneously imposing a 15% tariff on goods imported from Venezuela.
"Although the dialogue continues, for example, via a special envoy who meets with our government, Trump publicly carries on aggressive rhetoric... says one thing and does another. We cannot depend on Donald Trump's mood," the vice-minister added.
Castillo further explained that Venezuela's strategy for economic recovery involves strengthening partnerships with key allies such as China, Russia, and Turkey, as these collaborations enable Caracas to boost exports of oil and other vital commodities.
The 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), taking place from June 18-21 in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, is being held under the theme Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World," with the Rossiya Segodnya international media group, which serves as RIA Novosti's parent company, acting as the event's official information partner.
