Maduro in New York Court on Drug Charges; UN Debates US Venezuela Action

• Toppled Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal court to face long-standing US drug trafficking charges after a dramatic US operation.
• The UN Secretary-General expressed concern, and the UN Security Council convened to debate the legality and implications of the US action in Venezuela.
• US prosecutors accuse Maduro of overseeing a cocaine trafficking network linked to cartels and FARC, with allegations dating back to 2000.
• Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez, initially defiant, later softened her tone, inviting US cooperation on an agenda including oil.
• The unprecedented seizure sparked varied international reactions, with Russia and China condemning it, while US allies urged restraint and dialogue.

Why It Matters: Maduro faces US drug charges in New York, sparking UN debate and global concern over US action in Venezuela.