Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reappeared publicly on Sunday after days of speculation that he had fled amid rising tensions with the U.S.

He attended a specialty-coffee awards event in Caracas, handing out medals and praising Venezuela’s resilience without directly addressing the crisis.

His return coincided with Donald Trump confirming he had recently spoken with Maduro by phone, though neither government has commented on the call’s content.

The appearance came as the U.S. has deployed warships and thousands of troops to the region, actions Caracas views as an attempt to oust Maduro, CNN has reported.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan officials focused on investigating recent U.S. maritime strikes, and Trump downplayed suggestions that his warning about Venezuelan airspace signaled imminent military action.