Trump may exchange Venezuela for Ukraine: what the Financial Times says.

According to ТСН: The overthrow of Nicolas Maduro's regime in Venezuela with the support of the United States could become a catalyst for a global redistribution of power. There is a likelihood that U.S. President Donald Trump will consider a significant deal with Russia and China, where the price for American dominance in Latin America could be the situation in Ukraine.

This information is provided by the Financial Times.

"The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we have greatly surpassed it, really a lot. Now it is called the 'Donroe Doctrine'", noted Trump immediately after the removal of Maduro from power.

The events in Venezuela reflect the Trump administration's desire to assert American power in the Western Hemisphere, as confirmed by the new national security strategy. The rapid success of the operation could serve as a basis for speculation that the president may be interested in similar interventions within the expanded American 'backyard'.

Changes in the global context

The situation in Venezuela extends beyond the region, activating processes related to a new division of influence among major powers. The 'Donroe Doctrine' together with Trump's signals about a possible rapprochement with Moscow and Beijing indicates his desire for a world order where the focus is on the division of spheres of influence.

Although Russia and China sharply criticized U.S. actions, Chinese leader Xi Jinping may be willing to accept a loss of influence in Venezuela if, in return, he would gain more freedoms regarding issues concerning Taiwan. Similar agreements could be made by Russia regarding Ukraine. Back in 2019, Fiona Hill, who worked in the Trump administration, reported to Congress that the Kremlin had 'very clearly signaled its desire to conclude some very strange exchange deal between Venezuela and Ukraine'.

Trump's sharp statements

After Maduro's removal, Trump made a series of provocative statements directed at Colombia and Mexico. He accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of creating problems with cocaine and noted that Mexican drug cartels effectively control the country. In Trumpist circles, the possibility of active actions against the cartels on Mexican territory is being discussed, and although there had been restraint until then, success in Venezuela could change this situation.

Cuba has also come under close scrutiny from Washington. The communist regime, which the U.S. has tried to influence since the 1960s, again provokes harsh rhetoric. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the Cuban government as a 'huge problem', stating that 'they have major issues... I'm not going to talk to you about our next steps'. The fall of Maduro will complicate Cuba's position, which has long been dependent on Venezuelan oil and financial support.

Plans regarding Greenland

Trump has also distinguished himself by expressing his intention to take control of Greenland, despite the fact that this island is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Annexing part of a NATO ally's territory would be a more radical step than overthrowing an authoritarian leader in Latin America. However, the Trump administration has long been laying the groundwork for such a possibility, blaming Denmark for ineffective management of the island. Given the disdainful attitude towards European partners, this scenario should not be ruled out completely.

Global consequences

Beijing and Moscow will closely monitor these changes. A world in which powerful nations can act without restraint in their regions is beneficial for both Russia and China. Trump believes that dividing the world into informal spheres of influence can provide 'strategic stability' in relations with these countries.

However, this approach ignores the interests of smaller states, which are denied the right to independently determine their futures. These countries possess subjectivity and can resist, as the Ukrainian experience vividly confirms.

It should be noted that the U.S. State Department has announced that the Western Hemisphere is an exclusive sphere of influence of Washington, warning competitors about the inadmissibility of establishing military bases. Trump characterized this strategy as the 'Donroe Doctrine', which is a significant update of the historical Monroe Doctrine ('America for Americans'). In light of ongoing court proceedings against Maduro in New York, Rubio and the White House emphasized that American dominance in the region is no longer in doubt, and any attempts by adversaries to intervene in the affairs of the hemisphere will be met with harsh resistance.