Machado made the remarks at a news conference in Madrid, where she said Trump had “risked the lives of his country’s citizens for Venezuela’s freedom,” referring to a U.S. military operation earlier this year that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The opposition leader had presented the medal to Trump during a January meeting at the White House, shortly after the operation in Caracas. The gesture drew international attention, particularly as Trump has long expressed interest in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified at the time that while a medal can change hands, the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred, revoked, or shared, and remains formally awarded to Machado.

Machado said the U.S. intervention was something “Venezuelans will never forget,” adding that her decision to give Trump the medal was deliberate. “Consequently, no, I have no regrets,” she said.

She also confirmed ongoing coordination with Washington regarding her planned return to Venezuela, describing the relationship as based on “mutual respect and understanding.” Machado added that she sees the United States as central to advancing a democratic transition in the country.

Her comments come as Venezuela’s opposition calls for new presidential elections following Maduro’s removal from power. Machado, who was barred from running in the 2024 election, has not yet confirmed whether she would contest any future vote.

Speaking in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Díaz-Canel said an invasion or targeted operation against Cuba would come at a high cost and trigger a strong defensive response from the island’s population.

He added that Cubans would be prepared to fight if necessary.His remarks come amid heightened tensions with United States under President Donald Trump, despite both sides acknowledging ongoing contacts aimed at addressing bilateral disputes.

Díaz-Canel accused Washington of pursuing a “hostile policy” toward Cuba and said the United States had “no moral” authority to demand political changes from Havana, while reiterating Cuba’s willingness to engage in dialogue without preconditions.

The Cuban leader linked the island’s worsening economic conditions to U.S. measures, including restrictions that have disrupted energy supplies and exacerbated shortages affecting transport, healthcare and industrial output.

Cuba produces roughly 40 percent of its fuel needs and has faced acute shortages following disruptions to oil shipments, including from Venezuela earlier this year, contributing to a deepening energy crisis.

Díaz-Canel said recent statements from Trump, including suggestions that Cuba could be targeted next, were taken by Havana as a warning, reinforcing the government’s focus on safeguarding national sovereignty and stability.

Polling stations opened at 0700 local time (1200 GMT) for roughly 27 million eligible voters, as no candidate appeared close to securing the more than 50% required to win outright. The likely second-round vote on June 7 could extend uncertainty in the world’s third-largest copper producer amid rising crime and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Voters expressed frustration with the political class. “Peru is a mess, and there’s no candidate worth voting for,” said Lima resident Gloria Padilla, reflecting widespread disillusionment after years of turmoil.

Since 2018, Peru has had eight presidents, a rapid turnover driven by impeachments, corruption scandals and fragile governing coalitions that have hindered policymaking.

Analysts say the instability has deepened distrust in Congress and other institutions.“People really despise the current Congress,” said Martin Cassinelli of the Atlantic Council, adding that many voters hold lawmakers responsible for prolonged political chaos.

The fragmented field reflects a broad anti-establishment mood, with candidates ranging from experienced political figures to outsiders. Conservative Keiko Fujimori, making her fourth presidential bid after reaching three prior runoffs, has campaigned on restoring order and economic stability, appealing to voters concerned about rising crime.

Her candidacy remains polarizing due to her political legacy and past legal challenges.Ricardo Belmont, a former Lima mayor running on a center-left platform, has surged into contention after a late rise in support, while comedian Carlos Alvarez has gained traction with a tough-on-crime message.

On the right, businessman and former mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga has promoted socially conservative policies, though his support has fluctuated.Public security has dominated the campaign, with increasing homicide and extortion rates linked partly to drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Leading candidates have proposed expanding the military’s role in domestic security.The election also carries broader geopolitical implications. Peru’s economic ties with China, its largest trading partner and a major investor in mining and infrastructure, have drawn attention from the United States, which has increased engagement in the lead-up to the vote.

Whoever advances to the runoff will face a divided Congress and a newly reinstated Senate, complicating legislative efforts and potentially raising the risk of further political confrontation.

Polls are set to close at 5 p.m. local time (2200 GMT), with preliminary results expected shortly afterward.

The decision underscores growing international concern over financial flows tied to politically exposed individuals amid rapidly shifting power dynamics in Venezuela.

Swiss authorities confirmed that the freeze applies to dozens of individuals believed to have close links to Maduro, with the measure taking immediate effect.

Officials emphasized that the action is precautionary in nature, aimed at preventing any potential transfer or concealment of funds during a period of political uncertainty.

The asset freeze is set to remain in force for four years, reflecting Switzerland’s intent to ensure long-term oversight while the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve.

Authorities declined to disclose the value of the frozen assets, citing legal and confidentiality constraints surrounding ongoing financial investigations.

Switzerland’s move comes on top of sanctions already imposed on Venezuela in previous years, signaling continuity in its approach toward accountability and financial transparency.

The government made clear that the latest measures do not target members of Venezuela’s current governing authorities, focusing instead on assets linked to Maduro-era figures.

Officials said the goal is to safeguard any potentially illicit funds so they cannot be moved out of Swiss jurisdiction during the current instability.

In a statement, the Swiss government stressed that any assets later determined to have been unlawfully acquired would be returned for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.

This stance aligns with Switzerland’s broader policy of asset recovery, particularly in cases involving corruption, abuse of power, or misappropriation of public wealth.

The decision follows the dramatic arrest of Maduro and his transfer to the United States, an event that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and financial circles worldwide.

With Venezuela’s political future uncertain, governments and financial centers are reassessing their exposure to assets linked to former power structures.

Swiss officials described the situation in Venezuela as volatile, noting that multiple political and economic outcomes remain possible in the coming weeks.

They called for de-escalation and restraint among all parties, urging dialogue as the preferred path toward stability and reconciliation.

Switzerland also reiterated its willingness to offer diplomatic support and mediation services if requested by the relevant stakeholders.

The asset freeze highlights the role of financial hubs in enforcing international norms and preventing the misuse of global banking systems.

For years, Switzerland has faced scrutiny over its handling of foreign assets tied to controversial leaders, prompting stricter oversight and transparency measures.

In recent decades, the country has strengthened legal frameworks to identify and block funds associated with corruption or human rights abuses.

The Maduro-linked freeze reflects this evolving posture, particularly in moments of sudden political change that raise the risk of asset flight.

Analysts say such measures can play a critical role in preserving national wealth for populations affected by misrule or economic collapse.

Venezuela, once one of Latin America’s richest oil producers, has endured years of economic decline, hyperinflation, and mass emigration.

Efforts to secure overseas assets are seen by many observers as essential to any future reconstruction or humanitarian recovery.

The Swiss government said it would continue monitoring developments closely, adjusting its approach if conditions on the ground change.

As international scrutiny intensifies, Switzerland’s action adds momentum to a broader push for financial accountability tied to political transitions.

The move also sends a signal to other financial centers about the importance of rapid, coordinated responses in moments of global political upheaval.