Your World Tonight Maduro in court, CBC News in Colombia, Chrystia Freeland’s new job in Ukraine, and more
Jan 5, 2026
Katie Simpson, a CBC News correspondent in Washington, shares insights on Nicolás Maduro's dramatic court appearance in New York facing serious drug trafficking charges. Paul Hunter reports from the Colombia-Venezuela border, detailing Colombia's military response to the rising tensions. Peter Armstrong discusses how potential Venezuelan oil developments could impact Canada's energy scene. Tom Perry reveals Chrystia Freeland's new role as an advisor in Ukraine, raising questions about her future in politics amidst ongoing efforts to support Ukrainian officials.
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Maduro Arrest Raises Geopolitical Stakes
- Nicolás Maduro's U.S. arrest has shifted the geopolitical focus to control of Venezuela's oil and regional stability.
- The Trump administration frames intervention as protecting the Western Hemisphere and securing oil access.
Border Tension In Cúcuta
- Paul Hunter described the tense, military-lined bridge between Colombia and Venezuela at Cúcuta filled with daily crossers and uncertainty.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned he'd take up arms if the U.S. targeted Colombia, underscoring regional alarm.
Oil Recovery Won't Instantly Threaten Canada
- Restoring Venezuela's oil industry will take years and tens of billions of dollars, so immediate displacement of Canadian supply is unlikely.
- Canada risks competition on Gulf Coast barrels but benefits from opportunities where China must replace Venezuelan imports.
