In a significant geopolitical ripple following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a pointed message to the White House.
Speaking at a briefing on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Zelenskyy reacted to the U.S. special operation—dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve”—by suggesting that the same decisive action could be applied to other world leaders, in a clear reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy’s “Veiled Hint” to Trump
Zelenskyy’s remarks came during a press conference with European national security advisors. While he did not mention Putin by name, the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine made his intent unmistakable to those in attendance.
“Well, what can I say? If dictators can be dealt with like this, then the United States of America knows what it should do next.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The comment reportedly drew laughter and cheers from the room, as it underscored the Ukrainian leader’s hope for similar U.S. pressure against the Kremlin.
Russia Demands Maduro’s Release
The Kremlin has emerged as the loudest critic of the U.S. operation. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a stern statement on Saturday night, labeling the capture of a sovereign head of state an “unacceptable violation of international law.”
- The Demand: Moscow has urged the Trump administration to “reconsider their position” and immediately release Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
- The Warning: Russian officials warned that such “ideologically driven hostility” sets a dangerous precedent for global stability.
Update: Maduro Lands in New York
While the war of words continues, the legal process is already underway in the United States.
- Detention: Maduro and Flores arrived in New York City late Saturday night and were transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn.
- Court Appearance: The couple is expected to be arraigned in a federal court as early as Monday, January 5, on charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation.
- Security: MDC Brooklyn, known for housing high-profile figures like “El Chapo,” is under a state of high alert as protesters and supporters gather outside.
The “10 Percent” Peace Deal
Zelenskyy’s bold statement comes at a critical juncture in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. On New Year’s Day, Zelenskyy noted that a peace agreement is “90% ready,” but cautioned that the remaining 10%—which involves territorial sovereignty and security guarantees—contains the most difficult issues that will “determine the fate of Europe.”