Zelenskiy Calls for Action Against Putin Following Maduro’s Capture

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged the United States to detain Russian President Vladimir Putin, responding to the recent capture of ousted Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces during a nighttime operation.

In a news conference early Saturday morning, Zelenskiy expressed his thoughts on the U.S. strategy to remove Maduro, especially after President Trump ordered airstrikes on military targets near Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. “How should we react to this? What should we say?” he asked reporters post his discussions with European national security advisors.

“If we can handle dictators this way, then it’s clear what should come next,” he continued, suggesting that U.S. action should extend to Putin, especially given Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine, which have persisted for three years since the invasion.

In the wake of Maduro’s detention, several nations, including Russia, called for his release along with his wife, Celia Flores, who were taken from their home. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting, “In light of confirmed reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse are in the United States, we urge U.S. leadership to reconsider its position and release the duly elected president of a sovereign state and his spouse.” They stressed the need for dialogue to address existing issues between the U.S. and Venezuela.

Shortly after their apprehension, Maduro and Flores were brought to New York City, facing serious federal charges related to drug-terrorism. President Trump remarked that they would experience “the full wrath of American justice.” Reports indicated that both detainees would be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, with their initial court appearance set for as early as Monday.