Experts say that Russian and Chinese support for Venezuela has largely dried up, with no prospect of real military or financial aid.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is poised to take questions Friday in a rare, formal State Department news conference, with the main topics expected to surround Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas peace efforts as well as the Trump administration’s increasing military pressure on Venezuela.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he is not concerned about Russia's support for the Venezuelan regime as the Trump administration continues its campaign against the South American country.

Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday as investors assessed the likelihood of further U.S. sanctions against Russia and the supply risks posed by a blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers. Brent crude rose 32 cents or 0.

Vladimir Putin calls Nicolás Maduro to pledge Russian support as U.S. pressure on Venezuela intensifies following massive oil tanker seizure and Caribbean military buildup.

President Trump ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela on Tuesday, continuing his escalations against the Latin American country and its leader, Nicolás

In a freewheeling meeting with reporters running more than two hours, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Trump's radical overhaul in foreign assistance and detailed the administration's work to reach a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan.