1

‍#我的2026第一条帖

The biggest event in 2026 is Venezuela being attacked by the United States. What impact does this have on the crypto world? Let's take a look at Xiao Caishen's first analysis post of 2026:
On January 5, 2026, the U.S. military action against Venezuela broke the peace in Latin America, an event that not only reshaped the international political landscape but also caused waves in the cryptocurrency market. As one of the largest crypto markets in the world, Venezuela has long relied on digital assets like Bitcoin to cope with economic crises, and U.S. intervention directly threatens this survival strategy.
1. Economic Sanctions: Survival Crisis of Venezuela’s Cryptocurrency Ecosystem
1.1 Direct Impact of Sanctions on Exchanges
U.S. sanctions against Venezuela have posed severe challenges for the country's cryptocurrency exchanges. Sanctions include freezing assets and restricting international payment channels, forcing exchanges like AirTM and Cryptobuyer to shut down or relocate operations. For example, Cryptobuyer suspended services in 2023 due to sanctions, while AirTM moved its business to Mexico to avoid risks. Although this migration temporarily maintained trading, it increased operational costs and reduced accessibility for Venezuelan users.
1.2 Threats to User Funds Security
Sanctions also threaten the security of cryptocurrency users' funds. Venezuelans rely on assets like Bitcoin to hedge against hyperinflation, but sanctions may lead to account freezes or fund losses. For instance, U.S. sanctions cut off banks from international payment systems, forcing users to turn to more complex on-chain transactions, increasing operational risks. This uncertainty diminishes the appeal of cryptocurrencies as an economic safe haven, especially after local exchanges shut down, exposing user assets to higher security threats.
2. Capital Flows: International Market’s Safe-Haven Response to Venezuelan Cryptocurrency
2.1 Chain Reaction of Capital Flight from Venezuela
U.S. attacks have intensified capital flight from Venezuela, with cryptocurrencies becoming the main channel for fund transfers. This exodus has led to a surge in Bitcoin trading volume within Venezuela but has also raised concerns in international markets about fund security. For example, investors might withdraw due to political risks and seek more stable assets. This safe-haven behavior temporarily increases cryptocurrency volatility, but in the long term, it could reduce liquidity in the Venezuelan market.
2.2 Impact on International Investor Sentiment
Global market reactions to the Venezuelan situation directly influence cryptocurrency prices. The attack triggered a reassessment of emerging market risks among investors worldwide, causing sharp fluctuations in crypto prices. For example, Bitcoin might rise post-event due to increased safe-haven demand but then retreat as Venezuelan trading volume declines. These emotional swings highlight the contagion effect of geopolitical events on the crypto market, especially in the absence of regulatory frameworks.