 "'US knows what to do next': Did Zelenskyy just urge Trump to take down Putin after Maduro's capture?")
While reacting to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the United States to detain his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy’s remarks came when he was asked about the US toppling Maduro’s regime after President Trump ordered airstrikes on military sites around the Venezuelan capital of Caracas early Saturday morning.
“How should I react to this? What can I say?” the Ukrainian leader told reporters after meeting with European national security advisers Saturday. “If it’s possible to deal with dictators this way, then the US knows what to do next,” he added, suggesting that Trump should handle Putin the same way.
Venezuela, how else can one react? If this is how one can deal with dictators, then the USA knows what to do next — Zelenskyy on Maduro's capture pic.twitter.com/eD3IUYSpBi
— EMPR.media (@EuromaidanPR) January 3, 2026
It is pertient to note that Russia was among several nations that demanded the Trump administration release Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, after they were captured from their home in the South American country.
How Russia is reacting to the Venezuelan crisis
In a formal statement on the matter, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the American operation in Venezuela. “In view of the confirmed reports about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse being in the United States, we strongly urge the US leadership to reconsider their position and release the legitimately elected president of a sovereign country and his spouse,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
“We highlight the need to create conditions for resolving any existing issues between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue," the statement furthered. Soon after the American strikes in Caracas, the couple arrived in New York City on Saturday night.
Quick Reads
View AllHere, they will face federal narco-terrorism charges. Trump has said the couple will face the “full wrath of American justice.” Maduro and Flores will be held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, officials said. They are expected to appear in federal court as early as Monday.
 "Venezuela-US tensions LIVE: Allies angry, Europe cautious as Maduro's capture splits world into two")
 "US strikes in Venezuela kill at least 40, wreak havoc in residential areas: Report")
 "Where is Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro now? And what happens to him next?")
 "UN Security Council calls emergency meet over US action in Venezuela")
 "Venezuela-US tensions LIVE: Allies angry, Europe cautious as Maduro's capture splits world into two")
 "US strikes in Venezuela kill at least 40, wreak havoc in residential areas: Report")
 "Where is Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro now? And what happens to him next?")
 "UN Security Council calls emergency meet over US action in Venezuela")
