The United States has offered Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro an opportunity to leave the country for Russia or another destination, a Republican senator revealed on Sunday, amid rising fears of potential US military action.
The statement comes as President Donald Trump escalates pressure on Caracas, warning that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered “closed” while the US military expands its presence in the region.
Washington’s Pressure Campaign Intensifies
Although Trump has not directly threatened an invasion, he recently stated that new efforts to curb Venezuelan drug trafficking “by land” would begin “very soon.”
Maduro, who has repeatedly accused Washington of attempting regime change, views the US military buildup in the Caribbean as a clear warning.
Senator Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CNN’s State of the Union:
“We gave Maduro an opportunity to leave. He could go to Russia, or he could go to another country.”
When asked if Trump was planning to attack Venezuela, Mullin responded:
“No, he’s made it very clear we’re not going to put troops into Venezuela. What we’re trying to do is protect our own shores.”
US Airstrikes and Drug Trafficking Allegations
Since September, US airstrikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean have targeted suspected drug-trafficking vessels, killing at least 83 people, according to US officials.
Washington accuses Maduro of leading a vast criminal drug network.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, posted on X:
“Maduro is an illegitimate leader indicted for drug trafficking… President Trump’s strong commitment to end this madness in Venezuela will save countless American lives.”
He added sarcastically:
“I hear Turkey and Iran are lovely this time of year…”
Diplomacy Behind the Scenes
Despite the aggressive posture, both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
- The Times said Trump and Maduro had discussed a possible meeting.
- The Journal reported conversations included potential amnesty for Maduro if he stepped down.
Meanwhile, the US has deployed its largest aircraft carrier to Caribbean waters, and fighter jets and bombers have conducted repeated flights off Venezuela’s coast — a show of force that has intensified tensions in the region.
