Rubio Defends U.S. Military Pressure on Venezuela as Ukraine Conflict Stalls Negotiations

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday defended the Trump administration’s intensified military operations against Venezuela, asserting that the United States is targeting “narco-terrorists” and confronting an illegitimate regime that collaborates with America’s adversaries.

Rubio’s remarks came during a rare, end-of-year news conference at the State Department that lasted more than two hours and addressed multiple global conflicts, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and ceasefire initiatives in the Middle East and Africa.

The Secretary emphasized his strongest criticism toward Venezuela’s leftist leader Nicolás Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of narco-terrorism. Rubio has been a leading advocate for military actions against suspected drug-running vessels, which the Pentagon has targeted in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific since early September as part of the Trump administration’s expanded pressure on Maduro’s government.

When asked about the administration’s objectives, Rubio avoided directly addressing whether Washington seeks “regime change” by 2026. Nevertheless, he labeled Maduro’s regime “illegitimate,” accusing it of alliances with Iran and Hezbollah while facilitating narcotics trafficking.

“We have a regime that is illegitimate, that cooperates with Iran, that cooperates with Hezbollah, that cooperates with narco-trafficking and narco-terrorist organizations,” Rubio stated. He added that the Maduro government not only shields drug shipments but also allows cartel activity “with impunity” and permits certain groups to control territory.

Rubio also countered claims that U.S. military pressure constitutes a path toward war, asserting that the administration believes “nothing has happened that requires us to notify Congress or obtain congressional approval or cross the threshold into war.” He added, “We have very strong legal opinions.”

The comments followed President Donald Trump’s recent interview in which he indicated he would not rule out war with Venezuela. However, Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that current operations focus on intercepting drug smugglers and dismantling transnational trafficking networks rather than launching an invasion.

During the same news conference, Rubio addressed the administration’s push for a negotiated resolution to Russia’s war in Ukraine, stating that a peaceful settlement is only possible if both parties agree to terms. “We understand that you’re not going to have a deal unless both sides have to give and both sides have to get,” he said, noting that concessions would likely be required and the agreement might remain elusive.

Rubio also highlighted U.S. efforts to advance a Gaza ceasefire plan and described progress toward a humanitarian truce in Sudan ahead of the new year. Additionally, he defended Trump’s “America First” restructuring of foreign aid, including the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development and reductions in the diplomatic corps through reorganization.

“We have a limited amount of money that can be dedicated to foreign aid and humanitarian assistance,” Rubio explained. “And that has to be applied in a way that furthers our national interest.”

Rubio’s message underscored the Trump administration’s prioritization of border security and national interests abroad, emphasizing confrontations with regimes linked to drug trafficking and hostile foreign actors while demanding accountability for every dollar and mission.