My Comment Published in the Venezuelan Press:

‘The Americans were defeated in Revolutionary Russia (1918-1921), the Americans were defeated in the US War of Aggression in Korea (1950-1953). The Americans were beaten in Vietnam (1960-1975) when an elderly Buddhist monk sat serenely meditating whilst his body was covered in petrol and sat ablaze in protests against US and Catholic imperialism in South Vietnam. He did not cry-out in pain or run in terror. In the superb deportment of President Nicolas Maduro – we see the greatness of perfected (dialectical) timing. We see the pebble which smashes through the wall of large boulders when thrown against it! His beautiful “V” (for “Victory”) hand position in-front of the US media outshines – Trump’s fascism – and all the forces Trump can muster! Long after Trump is forgotten – Maduro’s act of resistance will shine for all eternity! A new generation of the International Working-Class has been nourished yet again! Long Live a Socialist Venezuela!’

(Viral) Maduro’s message: “We will win”

The United States failed to strip the Venezuelan president of his dignity, and his fortitude is making headlines around the world.

Angel González – 4 January 2026 – Últimas Noticias

Even while kidnapped by the United States government following a bloody military aggression against Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro has displayed an image of fortitude that has surprised the world. In images shared by US media outlets, Maduro can be seen escorted by his captors, but he does not appear defeated; on the contrary, upon noticing the camera, he made a gesture that has been interpreted as his main message: with his fingers, he flashed the “V” sign, which stands for “we will overcome.”

That “V” for “we will overcome” went viral on social media and has circled the globe, spread by social movements from all latitudes, and may possibly become a new anti-imperialist symbol.

The Minister of Culture, Ernesto Villegas, shared the image on his social media and said: “The power of symbols in the gestures of the imprisoned president #Venezuela.”

In other footage circulating in the media and on social networks, Maduro is seen walking through US facilities and affably greeting those he passes. He can be heard saying, “Good night, happy new year.”

Also in a widely circulated photograph, Maduro is seen sitting in front of the camera and, also serene, raises both thumbs as a sign of optimism.

What President Nicolás Maduro has demonstrated in recent hours is that, although Donald Trump’s henchmen managed to capture him through an international crime, what they failed to do was strip him of his dignity and leadership determination in the face of millions around the world who denounce his kidnapping and demand his release.