In a bold move that defies U.S. sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Nicolás Maduro on his controversial third term as Venezuela’s president, reinforcing Moscow’s support for the embattled leader.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro took the oath for a third term as president, while the US increased the bounty on him.

The US has announced a $25 million bounty for Nicolas Maduro's capture, signalling escalating tensions with Venezuela and global condemnation of his regime.

The US on Friday announced it was raising a bounty on President Nicolas Maduro to $25 million, as the Venezuelan leader was sworn in for a third term in office. Also named in the sanctions announced by the Treasury Department are eight Venezuelan officials who lead “key economic and security agencies enabling Nicolas Maduro’s repression and subversion of democracy in Venezuela”.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term, sparking protests around the world and causing the U.S. to raise a bounty for his arrest. Meanwhile, hundreds of passengers were evacuated from an Atlanta flight after an aborted flight.

The US announces a $25 million reward for the arrest or conviction of Venezuelas President Nicolás Maduro, on same day he's sworn in for a third consecutive term.

President Maduro was inaugurated yesterday for a third, six-year term that could keep him in power until 2031. Behind the toy soldiers and sashes, however, the mood in official Caracas is one of nervousness — about the opposition and about President-elect Donald Trump.

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González accuses Nicolás Maduro of staging a coup and vows to return to lead a democratic transition.