Anatoly Kurmanaev

The so-called multipolar world has been something that Putin has been talking about for years.

And, you know, it was sort of largely ignored by Western media, by Western policymakers.

And Trump's actions are bringing this world into reality.

It is quite ironic talking about Kulanov as tankers are being seized in high seas and being chased throughout the Caribbean.

And of course, the U.S.

continues to build up its military presence in that region.

But paradoxically, perhaps we are seeing a certain ramp down of the escalations.

We have seen the focus of the boat strikes move towards the Eastern Pacific, away from Venezuela, an area where actually most of the cocaine is being trafficked.

And

We are seeing, on one hand, an escalation of economic pressure of Maduro to see whether this economic shock is going to be enough to topple Maduro from power.

On the other hand, however, we are seeing the emergence of a potential off-ramp, of a potential diplomatic deal which would allow Maduro to ensure the survival of his political movements

in return for handing the country's natural wealth to the United States.

Pleasure to be here.

That's right.

Yeah.

It's strange to be back.

Yeah.

After eight years of reporting from here.

Oh, God.

I arrived in the country just a few weeks after Maduro took power in 2013.