Former US President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the suggestion by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's potential fate, following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by American forces. Trump stated that such a sanction against Putin was "not necessary", while also expressing that he is "very disappointed" with the Russian President.
Trump's Remarks on Putin and Regret Over Ukraine War
The comments came during a meeting with US oil and gas executives, where Trump was asked about Zelensky's cryptic remarks. The Ukrainian President had suggested that if this is how a "dictator" must be treated, then the "United States knows what to do next", hinting at a similar action against Putin.
While disagreeing with Zelensky's implication, Trump expressed confidence in his past relationship with Putin. "I don't think it's going to be necessary," Trump mentioned, adding, "I think we're going to have a--and always had--a great relationship with him. I am very disappointed."
Trump reiterated his claim of having settled eight wars and expressed regret that he could not halt the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which he thought would be "in the middle of the pack or maybe one of the easier ones." He cited a death toll of around 31,000 people in the previous month, many of them Russian soldiers, and noted Russia's struggling economy.
The Context: ICC Warrant and Escalating Ukraine Conflict
The backdrop to Zelensky's comments is the arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The conflict, which began with a renewed Russian offensive in 2022, continues to rage.
As the invasion nears its fourth anniversary, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, increasingly targeting energy facilities to deprive civilians of heat and water during winter. The United Nations reported in December that more than 2,300 Ukrainian civilians were killed and over 11,000 injured between January and November. This toll marked a 26% increase from the same period in 2024 and a 70% rise from 2023.
Operation Absolute Resolve: The Capture of Nicolas Maduro
The event that triggered this diplomatic discourse was the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The operation, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve", took place in the early hours of January 3 this year.
Explosions were reported in Caracas and nearby areas starting shortly before 2:00 am (0600 GMT), with blasts continuing until about 3:15 am. Social media footage showed helicopters and missile strikes lighting up the night sky. Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the US had "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela" and that Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the Country."
US General Dan Caine explained that the objective was solely to apprehend Maduro, using airstrikes to clear a path for helicopters. The mission, a result of months of planning, involved over 150 aircraft.
While Trump projects confidence that the Ukraine war will eventually be resolved, his latest remarks highlight a complex stance of diplomatic disappointment alongside a rejection of extreme measures against the Russian President, all set against a backdrop of heightened global military and judicial actions.
