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US President Donald Trump has downplayed any possibility of ordering a mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite growing speculation following the dramatic arrest of Venezuela’s former leader, Nicolas Maduro, by American forces earlier this month.
Responding to comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said such a move against Putin was “not necessary", while expressing disappointment over the continuing Russia-Ukraine war. His remarks suggest a preference for diplomatic engagement over coercive action against Moscow, despite the ongoing high tensions.
Trump Rejects Zelenskyy’s Suggestion
Speaking to reporters during a meeting with top US oil and gas executives, President Trump was asked directly whether he would ever authorise an operation similar to the one that led to Maduro’s capture in Caracas. “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary,” Trump said. “I think we’re going to have, and always have had, a great relationship with him. I am very disappointed.”
Zelenskyy had earlier made a cryptic reference to Putin after Maduro’s arrest, suggesting that the United States “knows what to do next” when dealing with dictators. Trump, however, distanced himself from that view and made it clear that Washington was not considering such a step against the Russian leader.
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The US President reiterated his belief that the Russia-Ukraine conflict could still be resolved through negotiations. Recalling his past claims of having settled multiple international conflicts, Trump said he had expected the Ukraine war to be easier to end. “I settled eight wars. I thought this would be in the middle of the pack or maybe one of the easier ones,” he said.
Trump also referred to heavy battlefield losses, claiming that tens of thousands of soldiers, many of them Russian, had died in recent months. He added that Russia’s economy was under strain and expressed hope that a settlement was within reach.
Russian President Vladimir Putin currently faces arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes linked to the Ukraine conflict. Russia does not recognise the ICC’s jurisdiction, and Moscow has consistently rejected the allegations. The existence of the ICC warrant has added another layer of complexity to global diplomacy, but US officials have maintained that Washington’s approach towards Russia remains guided by strategic stability and conflict resolution rather than direct intervention.
Maduro’s Arrest Fuels Global Debate
Speculation about Putin’s fate intensified after US forces carried out a surprise operation in Caracas that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He was flown to the United States and is now being held in New York, triggering strong reactions worldwide. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has since assumed the presidency of Venezuela, while Washington moves to tighten its control over Venezuelan oil exports.
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Despite comparisons being drawn between Maduro and Putin, Trump’s latest comments suggest that the US has no intention of pursuing a similar course with Russia’s leader, at least for now.