Gustavo González Velutini, president of the Venezuelan Exporters Association, stated that the 15% tariffs on Venezuelan imports to the U.S. will not impact the country. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's Executive Vice President, echoed this sentiment, asserting that there is 'no imperial tariff that matters' for Venezuela's production. Rodríguez also rejected threats from Guyana's President Irfaan Ali, emphasizing Venezuela's commitment to defending its legitimate rights regarding the Esequibo territory. Following a defense agreement between Guyana and the United Kingdom, Venezuela accused Guyana of having 'bellicose intentions.' Additionally, Venezuelan military forces are reportedly on alert, with claims that the U.S. may use tensions with Guyana as a pretext for invasion. In a separate development, President Nicolás Maduro expressed Venezuela's openness to cooperation with Russia, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations during a visit to the Russian scientific vessel Admiral Vladimirsky.