‘Will You Capture Putin Too?’ Trump Responds After Maduro Seizure
AP
US President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed speculation that Washington could launch a dramatic military operation against Russian President Vladimir Putin, similar to the raid that led to the capture of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolas Maduro. Responding to questions sparked by remarks from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump said such an action was “not necessary,” even as he expressed frustration over the prolonged war in Ukraine.
Trump’s comments came amid heightened global attention following the unprecedented US operation in Caracas that resulted in Maduro’s arrest and transfer to the United States.
Trump’s Remarks
When asked directly whether Putin could be the next target, Trump told reporters, “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary. I think we’re going to have a — and always had — a great relationship with him.” The US President added that he remained “very disappointed” that the Russia-Ukraine war had not yet ended.
Speaking during a meeting with senior US oil and gas executives, Trump said he believed the conflict should have been resolved earlier. “I settled eight wars. I thought this would be in the middle of the pack or maybe one of the easier ones,” he said, referring to the invasion that began in 2022.
Zelensky’s Hint and Global Context
The question arose after Zelensky made cryptic remarks following Maduro’s arrest, suggesting that the United States “knows what to do next” when dealing with dictators. The comment was widely interpreted as a reference to Putin, who is currently the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Trump, however, publicly rejected any suggestion of a similar operation against the Russian leader, underlining the complexities of US–Russia relations and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The Maduro Precedent
The arrest of Nicolas Maduro followed a pre-dawn US military operation in Caracas, involving airstrikes and the deployment of elite special forces. Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and flown to the US to face charges related to drug trafficking.
In the aftermath, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the presidency in Venezuela, even as protests erupted in Caracas demanding Maduro’s release. Despite strong condemnation of the US action, Washington and Caracas have begun tentative talks on restoring diplomatic ties.
Broader Implications
Trump has linked Venezuela’s political transition to its oil resources, urging US companies to invest while promising security guarantees. Meanwhile, prisoner releases and ongoing protests highlight the volatile situation on the ground.
Our Thoughts
Trump’s remarks signal an attempt to draw a clear line between Venezuela and Russia. While the Maduro operation has reshaped global perceptions of US power, extending such tactics to nuclear-armed Russia remains implausible. For now, diplomacy — however strained — remains Washington’s chosen path with Moscow.