The episode was recalled in New York Times report on Monday and traces back to testimony Hill delivered to Congress in 2019, when she served as the NSC’s senior director for Russian and European affairs during the first Trump administration.

In that testimony, Hill described what she called strong Russian signaling—much of it in public forums and media—suggesting a linkage between US policy in Venezuela and Russia’s interests in Ukraine.

“The Russians at this particular juncture were signaling very strongly that they wanted to somehow make some very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine,” Hill told lawmakers, referring to a period in early 2019 marked by heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas and Russia’s military support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Hill said the signals emerged as the United States pressed its case in Venezuela, invoking the Monroe Doctrine, while Moscow pointed to what it saw as its own “backyard” in Ukraine.

“You have your Monroe Doctrine. You want us out of your backyard. Well, you know, we have our own version of this. You’re in our backyard in Ukraine,” she told the hearing, summarizing the Russian position conveyed through informal channels and Russian press commentary.

According to Hill’s testimony, the idea of a trade-off was not conveyed through formal diplomatic proposals but surfaced through public statements, commentaries, and media articles. She said the Russians “laid it out in articles,” many of them in Russian, making the linkage apparent to US officials tracking Moscow’s messaging.

Hill told lawmakers that she later traveled to Moscow on an unclassified visit to meet Russian counterparts, including at a think tank, and that the discussions there reinforced the sense that Russian officials were interested in tying Venezuela and Ukraine together in their strategic calculus. “It was also apparent … that the Russian government was interested in having a discussion about Venezuela and Ukraine,” she said.

She emphasised that the matter had been discussed openly enough that questions were raised at a US State Department press briefing about whether she had gone to Russia “to make a trade between Venezuela and Ukraine,” underscoring that the idea was already circulating publicly.

The New York Times report noted that Moscow’s mixed reaction to recent US action in Venezuela has revived memories of that earlier episode, which unfolded years before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

At the time Hill testified, Russia had deployed personnel and equipment to Venezuela as Washington increased pressure on the Maduro government.

Hill in the testimony said she personally rejected the notion of such a swap during her interactions with Russian officials. She described the episode as part of a broader pattern in which Moscow sought to frame global politics in terms of reciprocal spheres of influence, contrasting that approach with US policy positions.

In her testimony, Hill made clear that her remarks were confined to unclassified information already in the public domain. “I have confined all my answers to the things that have either been in the public discussion,” she told lawmakers when asked about the nature of her disclosures.

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The figure came from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which said more than 1,200 people have been detained in the protests, which have been ongoing for more than a week.

It said 29 protesters, four children and two members of Iran’s security forces have been killed. Demonstrations have reached over 250 locations in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces,

The group, which relies on an activist network inside of Iran for its reporting, has been accurate in past unrest.

The semiofficial Fars news agency, believed close to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, reported late Monday that some 250 police officers and 45 members of the Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force have been hurt in the demonstrations.

The growing death toll carries with it the chance of American intervention. US President Donald Trump warning Iran on Friday that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States “will come to their rescue.”

While it remains unclear how and if Trump will intervene, his comments sparked an immediate, angry response, with officials within the theocracy threatening to target American troops in the Mideast. The comments took on new importance after the US military on Saturday captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a longtime ally of Tehran.

The protests have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations.

However, the protests have yet to be as widespread and intense as those surrounding the death of Amini, who was detained over not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities.

Iran has faced rounds of nationwide protests in recent years. As sanctions tightened and Iran struggled after a 12-day war with Israel, its rial currency collapsed in December, reaching 1.4 million to USD 1. Protests began soon after.

Understanding the scale of this latest round of protests has been difficult. Iranian state media has provided little information about the demonstrations.

Online videos offer only brief, shaky glimpses of people in the streets or the sound of gunfire. Journalists in Iran also face limits on reporting in general such as requiring permission to travel around the country, as well as the threat of harassment or arrest by authorities.

But the protests do not appear to be stopping, even after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday said “rioters must be put in their place.”

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A strike around 1 a.m. Tuesday leveled a three-story commercial building in the southern coastal city of Sidon, a few days before Lebanon’s army commander is scheduled to brief the government on its mission of disarming militant group Hezbollah in areas along the border with Israel.

An Associated Press photographer at the scene said the area was in a commercial district containing workshops and mechanic shops and the building was uninhabited.

At least one person was transported by ambulance and rescue teams were searching the site for others, but there were no immediate reports of deaths.

On Monday, the Israeli army hit several sites in southern and eastern Lebanon saying they held infrastructure for the militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas.

Those strikes took place nearly two hours after Israel’s military Arabic language spokesman Avichay Adraee posted warnings on X that the military would strike targets for Hezbollah and the Palestinian Hamas groups in two villages in the eastern Bekaa Valley and two others in southern Lebanon. The later strike in Sidon was unannounced and the Israeli army did not immediately issue a statement on it.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said a home struck in the village of Manara in the Bekaa Valley belonged to Sharhabil al-Sayed, a Hamas military commander who was killed in an Israeli drone strike in May 2024.

The areas were evacuated after the Israeli warning and there were no reports of casualties in those strikes. Earlier Monday, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said a drone strike on a car in the southern village of Braikeh earlier Monday wounded two people. The Israeli military said the strike targeted two Hezbollah members.

The Lebanese army last year began the disarmament process of Palestinian groups while the government has said that by the end of 2025 all the areas close to the border with Israel — known as the south Litani area — will be clear of Hezbollah’s armed presence.

The Lebanese government is scheduled to discuss Hezbollah’s disarmament during a meeting Thursday that will be attended by army commander Gen. Rudolph Haikal.

Monday’s airstrikes were in villages north of the Litani river and far from the border with Israel.

The disarmament of Hezbollah and other Palestinian groups by the Lebanese government came after a 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah in which much of the political and military leadership of the Iran-backed group was killed.

The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel, when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Israel launched a widespread bombardment of Lebanon in September 2024 that severely weakened Hezbollah, followed by a ground invasion.

The war ended in November 2024 with a ceasefire brokered by the U.S.

Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes since then, mainly targeting Hezbollah members but also killing at least 127 civilians, according to the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council through Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, Guterres said the Council was meeting at a “grave time” following the United States’ military action in Venezuela on January 3.

He noted that US forces were active across Caracas and the northern states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, though the scale of casualties remains unclear.

President Donald Trump had announced what he described as a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and its leader Nicolás Maduro, later stating that Washington would “run the country” until a transition could be arranged.

Venezuela’s government has denounced the operation as military aggression in both civilian and military areas and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, Guterres said. He added that President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently being held in New York on serious criminal charges brought by US authorities.

“What is less certain is the immediate future of Venezuela,” the Secretary-General warned, expressing deep concern over the risk of intensified instability inside the country, its potential regional impact, and the precedent such actions could set for relations between states.

The crisis, he said, comes against the backdrop of long-standing international concern over Venezuela, which deepened after the disputed presidential election of July 2024. An expert panel appointed by the UN at the request of the Venezuelan government had identified serious electoral shortcomings, while the UN human rights office has documented grave violations.

Guterres also noted that interim President Delcy Rodríguez had declared a nationwide emergency on January 3, expanding security powers amid rising tensions that the Council has discussed repeatedly since August.

Reiterating his concern that international law had not been respected in the recent military action, the UN chief stressed that the Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. “The maintenance of international peace and security depends on the continued commitment of all Member States to adhere to the Charter,” he said.

Venezuela, he added, has endured decades of political, social and economic turmoil, with democracy weakened and millions forced to flee. While the situation is critical, he said, it remains possible to avert a wider and more destructive conflict.

Guterres urged Venezuelan actors to engage in inclusive, democratic dialogue grounded in respect for human rights, the rule of law and the sovereign will of the people. He also called on neighbouring countries and the broader international community to act in solidarity and in line with international principles.

“International law provides tools to address issues such as illicit drug trafficking, disputes over resources and human rights concerns,” he said. “This is the route we need to take. The power of the law must prevail.”

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“We’re at war with people that sell drugs,” Trump said, adding that before any vote could be held, “we have to fix the country first.” Asked who was ultimately in charge of Venezuela, Trump replied: “Me.”

The remarks have added to unease in Washington. In a rare joint statement, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who lead the Senate Judiciary Committee, said they were unhappy at being excluded from a classified briefing on Maduro’s capture, stressing that the arrest was presented as a law-enforcement operation under their committee’s oversight.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson told CNN that President Trump did not require prior congressional authorization for the operation, saying it was permitted under Article II of the US Constitution and that Congress had been properly notified.

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According to the BBC, Maduro walked into a Manhattan courtroom for the first time on Monday afternoon, where 92-year-old Judge Alvin Hellerstein asked him to confirm his identity to begin the proceedings.

Speaking calmly in Spanish before an interpreter, Maduro told the court: “I am Nicolás Maduro. I am president of the Republic of Venezuela and I am here kidnapped since January 3rd. I was captured at my home in Caracas.” The judge swiftly interrupted, saying there would be a “time and a place” to address those claims, reports the BBC.

During the 40-minute arraignment, Maduro, 63, and Flores both entered not-guilty pleas to charges that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. “I’m innocent. I’m a decent man,” Maduro said, while Flores told the court she was “completely innocent”, the BBC reported.

CBS News said Maduro also insisted he remained Venezuela’s lawful leader, declaring through an interpreter: “I’m innocent. I’m not guilty. I’m a decent man, the president of my country.”

The couple appeared in blue and orange jail shirts and khaki trousers, wearing headphones for Spanish translation. Maduro was seen taking careful notes on a yellow legal pad, which he asked the judge to allow him to keep. Flores appeared to have bruises on her face, which her lawyer alleged were sustained during their arrest. Both were transferred to a New York jail after being seized at their compound in Venezuela as part of a surprise US operation that also involved strikes on military bases, reports BBC.

The hearing ended tensely when a man in the public gallery shouted that Maduro would “pay” for his crimes. “I’m a president and prisoner of war,” Maduro shouted back in Spanish, before the man was escorted out, visibly emotional.

Neither Maduro nor Flores sought bail, meaning they will remain in federal custody. Their next court hearing is scheduled for March 17.

As Maduro prepares for a prolonged legal battle in the United States, Venezuela faces an uncertain future, caught between a leadership vacuum at home, mounting international scrutiny, and deepening geopolitical tensions that are being closely watched across the world.

Delcy Rodríguez sworn in as interim president of Venezuela

Former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as interim president by her brother, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly. She described Maduro and Flores as “two heroes” and said she took the oath with pain because of the suffering caused by what she called “illegitimate military aggression”.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the operatives at the GDNL terminal, Apapa Port, Lagos, recovered the drugs on Friday, according to Nigerian web portal Punch.  “Those detained in connection with the discovery of the 31.5 kg cocaine in hatch three of the ship, which originated from the Marshall Islands, include the master of the vessel, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, and 21 other crew members,” the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said in a statement on Sunday, the report said.

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The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the ban on adverts for less healthy food and sugary drinks is expected to remove up to 7.2 billion calories from children’s diets each year.

It is also expected to reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000 and deliver around 2 billion pounds in benefits for the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) over time.

“By restricting adverts for junk food before 9 pm and banning paid adverts online, we can remove excessive exposure to unhealthy foods – making the healthy choice the easy choice for parents and children,” said Ashley Dalton, the UK’s Minister for Health.

“We’re moving the dial from having the NHS treat sickness, to preventing it so people can lead healthier lives and so it can be there for us when we need it,” she said.

The DHSC claims evidence shows advertising influences what and when children eat, shaping preferences from a young age and increasing the risk of obesity and related illnesses.

According to official statistics, 22.1 per cent of children in England are living with either being overweight or obese at the start of primary school, and this rises to 35.8 per cent by the time they leave. And, tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for young children, typically ages five to nine, in the UK.

“These new restrictions will help reduce children’s exposure to the most problematic adverts and mark real progress towards a healthier food environment,” said Katharine Jenner, Executive Director of the UK’s Obesity Health Alliance.

“For the government to achieve its ambition of raising the healthiest generation ever, this is an important policy as part of a broader approach to preventing obesity-related ill health. Continuing to strengthen the rules over time will help ensure these protections remain effective,” she said.

Food and drink companies were on notice for the ban as the restrictions came in on a voluntary basis in October 2025, ahead of them taking legal effect this week.

Previous interventions, such as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, resulted in businesses reformulating to make products healthier, and the measures coming into effect today have already had a similar impact, driving the development and promotion of healthier options, the DHSC said.

The Soft Drink Industry Levy is now set to be extended to cover more products, including sugary milk-based drinks, and the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 is to be banned as part of the government’s health drive.

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“Modi’s a very good man,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, while on his way back to the White House from West Palm Beach in Florida on Sunday (local time).

“He’s a good guy,” he said while responding to a question.

Trump claimed New Delhi adjusted its policy after understanding Washington’s displeasure over continued Russian energy purchases. “He knew I was not happy and it was important to make me happy,” Trump said, referring to PM Modi.

“They (Indians) wanted to make me happy, basically. (PM) Modi’s a very good man. Yes, he’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on that very quickly,” Trump said in response to a question that was initially being responded to by Senator Lindsey Graham, who was travelling with him on Air Force One.

Graham asserted that the US tariff pressure has already pushed India to significantly reduce its purchases of Russian oil, arguing that the move is weakening Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort in Ukraine and demonstrating the effectiveness of tariffs as a foreign policy tool.

Speaking to reporters, Graham credited Trump’s 25 per cent tariff imposed on India for buying Russian crude, saying the measure had produced visible results.

“I really do believe what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil,” he said.

The President warned that tariff pressure could be increased quickly if countries reverse course. “We can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump said, adding that trade leverage remains firmly in US hands.

Graham said his legislation would give the President sweeping authority to impose tariffs on countries continuing to buy discounted Russian energy.

“If you’re buying cheap Russian oil keeping Putin’s war machine going, we’re trying to give the President the ability to make that a hard choice,” Graham said.

Graham said the bill, backed by 85 co-sponsors, would allow tariffs ranging from zero to 500 per cent, entirely at the President’s discretion. He said the approach has already shown results.

“I was at the Indian ambassador’s house about a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about is how they’re buying less Russian oil,” Graham claimed.

“This stuff works,” Graham added.

Trump contrasted his approach with the Biden administration, which he accused of giving away vast sums to Ukraine. “Biden gave $350 billion,” Trump said. “Now we get paid.”

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Aboard Air Force One on his way back to the White House from Mar-a-Lago, Trump was asked about reports of protesters being killed in Iran and his earlier comments that the US was “locked and loaded.”

“We’ll take a look,” Trump said. “We’re watching it very closely.”

Trump drew a clear line around the use of lethal force by Iranian authorities. “If they start killing people as they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States,” he said.

The president did not specify what form a US response might take, nor did he outline any immediate military or economic measures. Notably, the US has deployed considerable militatry asset in the region.

Trump’s comments in response to a question, however, underscored that Washington is actively tracking developments inside Iran and considering its options. But he gave no timeline or trigger point. “We’re watching it very closely,” he reiterated.

The comments came amid broader remarks by Trump linking instability in several regions to US national security concerns. Throughout the Air Force One exchange, Trump repeatedly framed unrest, drug trafficking, and authoritarian violence as interconnected threats that require decisive responses.

While Trump did not draw direct comparisons during his Iran remarks, his warning followed strong language directed at Venezuela, Cuba, and other countries he described as destabilising forces in their regions.

Trump has previously accused Iran of violently suppressing dissent during past waves of protests and has used economic sanctions and military deterrence as pressure tools. In this exchange, he stopped short of announcing new measures, instead emphasising vigilance and readiness.

“If they start killing people,” Trump said, repeating the condition under which US action could follow.

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