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Venezuela Crisis: Two Years of US Pressure and Hardship

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. risis-two-years-of-us-pressure-and-hardship.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 0:44 GMT by The Nation
      Locales: VENEZUELA, UNITED STATES

Caracas, Venezuela - February 6th, 2026 - Two years after the initial escalation of US pressure on Venezuela, the nation remains locked in a complex struggle for sovereignty, economic stability, and access to vital resources. What began as a series of sanctions and accusations leveled against the Nicolas Maduro government has evolved into a protracted period of hardship for the Venezuelan people, while the underlying motivations - access to the nation's vast oil reserves - remain largely unchanged.

The Trump administration, beginning in 2024, took an increasingly aggressive stance towards Venezuela, framing the situation as a fight against authoritarianism and human rights abuses. While genuine concerns regarding Maduro's governance were and continue to be valid, many observers at the time - and analysis since - pointed to a significant strategic interest: Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 300 billion barrels. The potential for US companies to gain access to these reserves, particularly in a period of global energy market volatility, was seen as a key driver of the administration's policy.

The initial sanctions, implemented in 2024 and 2025, were designed to cripple the Venezuelan economy, primarily targeting the state-owned oil company, PDVSA. The aim was to weaken Maduro's government and create the conditions for a regime change. However, these measures backfired, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Access to food, medicine, and basic necessities became increasingly limited, leading to widespread suffering and a mass exodus of Venezuelans seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

The economic impact has been devastating. The Venezuelan Bolivar continues to depreciate rapidly, fueling hyperinflation and eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. While the Maduro government has attempted to implement economic reforms and seek assistance from countries like China and Russia, these efforts have been largely insufficient to offset the damage caused by the sanctions and internal mismanagement.

Following a change in US leadership in January 2025, there was initial hope for a shift in policy. However, while the rhetoric softened, the core sanctions remained largely in place, and the US continued to recognize opposition figures as the legitimate leaders of Venezuela. This policy has been criticized by some as prolonging the crisis and hindering genuine dialogue between the government and opposition.

The situation has led to increased regional instability. Neighboring Colombia, already burdened by its own challenges, has absorbed a large influx of Venezuelan refugees, straining its resources and infrastructure. Concerns are growing about the potential for further spillover effects, including increased organized crime and the spread of extremist ideologies.

Experts now suggest a more nuanced approach is needed - one that prioritizes humanitarian assistance, supports a credible and inclusive dialogue between the government and opposition, and addresses the underlying economic and political factors that have contributed to the crisis. Lifting the most damaging sanctions, particularly those affecting access to food and medicine, would be a crucial first step.

However, the prospect of a swift resolution remains dim. The Maduro government is deeply entrenched, and the opposition remains fragmented and unable to forge a united front. The external actors involved - the US, China, Russia, and others - all have their own agendas, making a consensus-based solution difficult to achieve.

Furthermore, the long-term damage to Venezuela's oil industry is significant. Years of underinvestment, mismanagement, and sanctions have led to a decline in production capacity. Even if sanctions were lifted tomorrow, it would take years and substantial investment to restore the industry to its former glory. The rise of renewable energy sources also presents a challenge, potentially reducing the long-term demand for Venezuelan oil.

The Venezuelan crisis serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between geopolitics, economic interests, and human rights. The pursuit of resources should not come at the expense of the well-being of an entire nation. Unless a more sustainable and equitable approach is adopted, the Venezuelan people will continue to bear the brunt of this protracted struggle.