Russian oil company Lukoil plans to sell its international assets to U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group, Lukoil said Thursday, as it rushes to divest its global portfolio in the face of impending U.S. sanctions.

The U.S. is lifting some sanctions on Venezuelan oil, seeking to allow American firms to trade and sell more oil that is produced there. The move comes as the administration has said it will sell Venezuelan oil following its capture of leader Nicolás Maduro.

The United States on Thursday eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry after Venezuelan lawmakers passed reforms paving the way for US companies to return -- a key goal of President Donald Trump's intervention in the country.

By Timothy Gardner and Marianna Parraga WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The administration of President Donald Trump lifted some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry on Thursday to make it easier for U.

China strongly condemns U.S. pressure on Cuba, calling sanctions violations of international law as diplomatic tensions escalate over decades-long embargo.