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Explosive Device Targets Venezuela’s Consulate in Lisbon, No Injuries Reported
Venezuela’s consulate in Lisbon was the target of an explosive device on Saturday night, though no injuries were reported, according to local police. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when an unidentified individual threw what authorities described as a “Molotov cocktail” against the building’s wall.
The Lisbon Metropolitan Public Security Police (PSP) responded swiftly, setting up a security perimeter to preserve evidence and calling in the fire brigade. No fire resulted from the device, but the attack caused some material damage to the consulate. A police source confirmed that “no one was hit,” adding that the act appeared to be more symbolic than violent.
The attack comes just days after the controversial inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for a new six-year term. The opposition, led by figures such as María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, has repeatedly claimed that the elections held in July lacked transparency and evidence of Maduro’s victory, calling his inauguration a “coup d’état.”
Machado, who had been leading protests against Maduro’s continued rule, was briefly detained in Caracas on Thursday after attending a demonstration aimed at preventing his swearing-in.
The Venezuelan government swiftly condemned the attack on its consulate. Foreign Minister Yván Gil took to Instagram to denounce the incident, calling the Molotov cocktail attack an act of “fascism” aimed at disrupting the services provided to Venezuelan citizens abroad. He added that the attack would not deter Venezuela’s “Bolivarian revolution” and emphasized that such “irrational aggressions” would not reverse the country’s progress.
In response to the incident, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and promised to increase security around the consulate. The Portuguese authorities have referred the case to the Judicial Police, who are investigating the matter further.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Maduro’s presidency, with former Latin American leaders, such as former Colombian presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque, publicly discussing the possibility of international intervention in Venezuela to end the Bolivarian regime. Maduro, in turn, has vowed to prepare for conflict, stating he is ready to “take up arms” if necessary to retain power, with the support of allies like Cuba, Nicaragua, China, Russia, and Iran.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s increasing isolation on the global stage continues. In the days leading up to his inauguration, Maduro ordered the closure of Venezuela’s border with Colombia, and authorities announced plans to shut the border with Brazil on January 13.
This latest attack on the Venezuelan consulate in Lisbon underscores the growing international tensions surrounding Maduro’s rule and the ongoing political instability in Venezuela.
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Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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