After Maduro Arrest, US Signals Limits On Action Against Putin

Trump rules out dramatic move as Zelensky hints at tougher US posture

January 10, 2026: A week after the dramatic arrest of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolas Maduro in a US operation, questions have surfaced over whether Washington could take similar action against other adversaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The surprise move sent ripples through global capitals and was closely watched by US allies confronting authoritarian regimes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to welcome the show of force, suggesting that if dictators were to be dealt with firmly, the United States “knows what to do next.”

President Donald Trump, however, dismissed any comparison between Maduro and Putin. Asked if he would ever authorise a mission to capture the Russian leader, Trump said such a step would not be necessary, while expressing disappointment with Putin. The Russian president is already facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes linked to the Ukraine conflict.

Speaking later at a meeting with US oil and gas executives, Trump reflected on the heavy human and economic costs of the Russia-Ukraine war. He said the conflict had claimed tens of thousands of lives, hurt Russia’s economy, and should have been easier to resolve. While reiterating his belief that the war would eventually be settled, Trump said he wished it could have happened sooner to prevent further loss of life.