Maduro releases first photo since US detention as Venezuela oil deal draws attention

Nicolás Maduro has appeared in public view for the first time since his transfer to US custody, posting two photos in which he wears gray athletic clothing and raises two fingers in a V sign.

The images, published on X and Telegram, carry a June 25 date. Maduro described them as “a small gift” for his grandchildren, children and others who love him. He also thanked supporters for what he called their prayers, solidarity and continuing action.

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I am sending this photo as a small gift to all my grandchildren, boys, girls and all noble people who love us.

“I want you to know that we stand firm and that our hearts are full of your love,” Maduro wrote. He added that his soul and that of his wife, Cilia Flores Maduro, remained devoted to supporters and said their faith in God was still strong.

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I want you to know that we stand firm and that our hearts are full of your love.

Maduro has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, since his arrest during a US military raid on a safe house in Caracas on Jan. 3. He and Flores face charges including drug trafficking and terrorism. A New York federal court has scheduled their trial to begin on June 1, 2027. Maduro pleaded not guilty at a hearing in January, and a conviction could result in a life sentence.

US media focused on the timing of the photo release. The post came two days after the Trump administration announced what was described as an agreement involving Venezuela’s oil sector. The reported terms include a 35% stake in North America Blue Energy Partners, which holds development rights to 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil, as well as the right to buy 20% of produced oil at cost. CBS and Fox News linked the timing to announcements about a breakthrough in US-Venezuela relations.

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My soul and Cilia’s are devoted to you, and our faith in God remains firm.