Luis Alejandro Ruiz - Guacamaya

UNDP: Venezuela Grows in 2025, but Oil Rebound Clashes with Inflation and Sanctions

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago12 months ago06 mins

The Venezuelan economy shows a mixed performance in 2025: GDP grew by 7.7% in the first half of the year, driven by oil production, which reached its highest levels since 2019, and the government implemented increases in public sector income. However, inflation, the devaluation of the bolivar, and U.S. oil sanctions threaten to undermine these advances, according to a report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Binational Trade Between Colombia and Venezuela Grows 14.1% and Surpasses US$560 Million in 2025

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago12 months ago04 mins

Trade between Colombia and Venezuela reached US$560.7 million in the first half of 2025, representing a 14.1% growth compared to the same period the previous year, according to figures from DANE and the Colombo-Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce (CCV). The report was presented during the Binational Business Meeting “Vision Frontera 2025,” held in Cúcuta to mark the third anniversary of the border reopening and the reestablishment of diplomatic relations.

Reuters: China Concord Strengthens Oil Presence in Venezuela with Floating Platform in Lake Maracaibo

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago12 months ago04 mins

The arrival of the floating platform Alula in Lake Maracaibo marks a new chapter in energy cooperation between China and Venezuela. The project, valued at $1 billion and led by China Concord Resources Corp (CCRC) in partnership with Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), aims to revive production in the Lago Cinco and Lagunillas Lago fields, with a target of 60,000 barrels per day by 2026.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit Marks a New Geopolitical Pulse

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago11 months ago014 mins

The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, held in China, became a highly relevant geopolitical event that transcends the borders of Central Asia. The meeting brought together leaders of major powers and emerging countries, consolidating the SCO as a space for dialogue and coordination that seeks to offer alternatives to the international order that emerged after World War II.

Ecuador Terminates Migration Agreement with Venezuela

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago12 months ago03 mins

Ecuador’s National Assembly approved the country’s withdrawal from the Migration Agreement with Venezuela on August 27. This mechanism, in place since 2019, had allowed the special regularization of thousands of Venezuelan citizens. The resolution, which received 86 affirmative votes, was questioned by the Revolución Ciudadana bloc, which chose to abstain, considering the measure counterproductive.

WSJ: ExxonMobil Negotiated in Secret with Rosneft to Return to Russia Amid Peace Talks

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago11 months ago06 mins

Exxon Mobil held secret meetings this year with Rosneft, Russia’s largest energy company, to evaluate a potential return to the massive Sakhalin oil and gas project in the Russian Far East. According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, the plan would depend on a potential peace agreement in Ukraine and the easing of sanctions against Moscow.

Michael Paarlberg, former Sanders advisor: “to convince someone to give up power, you have to offer them something more attractive than a prison cell”

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago12 months ago033 mins

Michael Paarlberg is a Political Science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2020 he served as the Latin America advisor to Bernie Sanders.

Amazon Summit in Bogotá Ends with Partial Progress and Underlying Tensions

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago12 months ago07 mins

The fifth presidential meeting of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) concluded with a joint declaration that, while reaffirming the eight member countries’ willingness to defend the rainforest, highlighted the deep divisions regarding the future of hydrocarbons in the region.

Russia and Venezuela Sign Agreement for the Transfer of Detainees

Luis Alejandro Ruiz12 months ago12 months ago03 mins

Moscow and Caracas have taken a new step in strengthening their strategic relations by preparing to sign an agreement on the exchange of convicted persons—a measure that transcends judicial matters and is part of the growing political and diplomatic cooperation between both governments.

WFP Cuts Its Programs in Venezuela in Half Due to Lack of Funds

Luis Alejandro Ruiz1 year ago1 year ago05 mins

The World Food Programme (WFP) announced that it will reduce its projects in Venezuela by half during 2025 due to a lack of international funding. The measure will directly affect vulnerable communities, especially rural schools where the agency had concentrated a large part of its efforts in recent years.