I think Biden wants Venezuelan oil on the market so RuZZian oil can be squeezed more.
“Venezuelan officials are expected to announce a preliminary agreement Tuesday that could open the door for sanctions relief in exchange for basic electoral guarantees.
After months of roadblocks, representatives for President Nicolás Maduro’s government and the US-backed opposition will sign a deal in Barbados later today, according to officials from Norway, which are facilitating the talks. Any significant concessions from Maduro, such as allowing banned opposition candidates to run in the 2024 presidential vote, could lead the US to ease crippling restrictions on Venezuela’s oil industry.”
“Russia Goes on the Offense in Ukraine—and Suffers Heavy Losses”
“With Ukraine’s monthslong southern counteroffensive making slow progress, Russia last week launched a large-scale assault of its own with a narrower aim: the small eastern city of Avdiivka.
By most accounts, it didn’t go well.
Ukraine’s military said it destroyed dozens of Russian tanks and other armored vehicles and killed hundreds of Russian troops while losing little territory. Video released by Ukrainian officials showed the damage, with artillery and bomblets dropped from drones crashing into one Russian vehicle after another, leaving them smoking on the road.”