Will US ever order Putin’s 'capture' like Maduro? Trump's straight reply

The bold military action in Caracas triggered speculation over whether a similar fate could await Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Maduro was reportedly seized in a surprise overnight operation and flown to the United States, marking one of the most aggressive foreign interventions by Washington in recent years.

The episode has sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles.

Zelenskyy fuels speculation over Putin

The manner of Maduro’s arrest prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make an oblique reference to Putin.

Without naming him directly, Zelenskyy suggested that if this is how a “dictator” should be treated, then “the United States knows what to do next.”

His remarks came as Ukraine continues to resist Russian military offensives that began in 2022.

Despite sustained attacks, Kyiv has so far avoided occupation, emboldening Ukraine and its allies.

Trump's straight reply

Asked whether he would ever order a mission to capture Putin, President Donald Trump distanced himself from the idea.

“I don’t think it’s going to be necessary,” Trump told reporters, pushing back against speculation triggered by Zelenskyy’s comments.

While ruling out such action, Trump admitted he was “very disappointed” with Putin, underlining growing frustration over the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Speaking during a meeting with top oil and gas executives, Trump reflected on the prolonged war.

He repeated his claim of having helped settle eight global conflicts and said he believed the Russia-Ukraine war should have been easier to resolve.

“I thought this would be in the middle of the pack or maybe one of the easier ones,” he said.

Trump also highlighted the human cost of the conflict, claiming Russia lost around 31,000 soldiers last month alone.

“A lot of people are dying, mostly soldiers. I wish we could have done it quicker,” he added, expressing regret over the ongoing bloodshed.

Putin faces ICC arrest warrant

Putin is currently subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

However, Russia does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction, making any arrest highly unlikely.

Despite the legal pressure, Trump maintained that capturing Putin was not on the table.

Dramatic capture of Nicolas Maduro

Maduro’s arrest reportedly unfolded just after midnight in Caracas.

US fighter jets launched targeted airstrikes across the city, followed by the deployment of Delta Force, one of America’s most elite combat units.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were allegedly taken from their residence and flown to a US military base.

From there, he was transported to New York aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a high-capacity amphibious assault ship.

Power shift in Venezuela

Following Maduro’s capture, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumed leadership of Venezuela.

The Trump administration is now reportedly preparing to exert control over the country’s oil exports, signalling a major geopolitical shift in Latin America.

No action replay—for now

While the Maduro operation has emboldened US allies, Trump’s response makes it clear that Washington is unlikely to pursue similar action against Putin.

For now, diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions remain the preferred tools as the Ukraine war grinds on.

The question of whether the US would ever attempt to capture Putin appears answered — at least for now.