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This is the world in brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

The Federal Reserve lowered the central bank's headline interest rate range

by a quarter of a percentage point to 3.5 to 3.75%. It was the third consecutive meeting at which the

rate setting board opted for a cut. Three members, however, dissented from the majority vote.

One wanted to lower rates by a half point, two preferred no cut.

Donald Trump confirmed that American forces seized a, quote,

very large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The vessel was reportedly under sanctions.

Since September, the Trump administration has waged a pressure campaign against Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's leader,

whom Mr. Trump accuses of narco-terrorism.

The United States has struck boats off South America and threatened military action inside Venezuela.

Volodymy Zelensky said he held, quote, productive talks about Ukraine's economic recovery

with a group of American officials that included Scott Besant, the Treasury Secretary.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany spoke to Mr. Trump over the phone about the peace negotiation process. Mr. Zelensky has promised to

hold elections within three months if America and Europe, quote, ensure security for a vote.

Brazil's lower house passed a bill that could shorten Jaya Bolsonaro's sentence by as much as 25 years.

...