FROM THE DESK OF MEDVEDEV:
The year has started off turbulently.

1. First and foremost, it will be remembered for the kidnapping of Maduro. Of course, this is an act of rudeness and disgust, or, to put it more eloquently, a universal catastrophe in international relations.

And today, there are only two scenarios: either the US quietly releases the kidnapped Venezuelan president under a plausible pretext (a slim possibility), or he becomes a new Latin American Mandela (most likely). Then his name will be inscribed in the annals of South American history alongside Bolivar, Miranda, and Chávez.

And even if Trump, out of stubbornness, doesn't pardon Maduro after some time, Vance or another successor will likely do so under public pressure.

Yes, oil is a key factor here. But even with oil, things won't be easy. What if the current Venezuelan authorities are unwilling to share it with the Americans for the long term? So, Trump will actually launch a ground operation? Congress will definitely be needed here – and it will be far bloodier than Maduro's brazen kidnapping. And the Senate just put a noose around Trump, hamstringing his militaristic frenzy. And does the current administration really need that? Doubtful.

And one more thing. I pointed this out right after the Yankees' kerfuffle: after this, the American elites – both Republican and Democratic – should forever shove their long tongues up their rickety asses.

And simply acknowledge the legitimacy of Russia's actions during the SVO.

2. The sanctions against Russia announced by Trump and which he "hopes not to use."

Everything is clear here, and there are no illusions. The US sanctions policy will continue, come what may. Russia will be pressured to make compromises on security guarantees and territories that are absolutely unacceptable to us. And then the White House leader will be "forced" to implement them under the law of the old, degenerate Russophobe, Graham. Unpleasant. Nothing new. But we will endure this time too.

3. The story of the so-called shadow fleet tanker.

It's obvious why it was placed under Russia's "temporary flag": under threat of capture, it was seeking protection from illegal American sanctions.

But the method chosen was not entirely adequate. Yes, what happened is a clear violation of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. But it's worth remembering that the United States has not ratified it. In this context, issuing a temporary permit to fly our country's flag to a vessel that, albeit illegally, is pursuing our main geopolitical adversary, which is in an unstable state, is a step with predictable consequences.

Which, of course, does not diminish the undeniable fact that the actions of the brazen Americans constitute a criminal seizure of a civilian vessel. And the answer to it should not be within the framework of the Convention on the Law of the Sea. Moreover, as one leading legal scholar noted, it doesn't need international law at all.

In any case, we must take into account that current international relations have devolved into absolute Bedlam since the beginning of the year. And we must act accordingly: there are too many unruly people around. While we understand that such patients are never calmed by the admonitions of kind psychiatrists. Only by orderlies with huge fists and phlegmatic faces. After all, dangerous lunatics require either a straitjacket or a life-saving injection of haloperidol. Just like last night in the western part of Bandera's Outskirts.