Washington: Tensions in international politics have heightened after the dramatic arrest of Venezuela’s former leader, Nicolas Maduro, by US forces in Caracas last week. The operation, which saw Delta Force soldiers seize Maduro in a midnight raid and transport him to New York, has sparked speculation about whether a similar action could be taken against Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at such a possibility, referring to Maduro’s capture and suggesting that “if this is how a dictator must be treated, the United States knows what to do next.” Zelensky’s comments came amid ongoing Russian offensives in Ukraine, which have persisted since 2022 despite Ukraine successfully defending Kyiv.
When asked directly whether he would order a mission to capture Putin, US President Donald Trump was cautious. “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary,” he said, expressing disappointment over Russia’s actions but emphasizing that the US has always aimed for a strong relationship with Moscow. Trump also reiterated his broader foreign policy achievements, claiming credit for resolving eight conflicts worldwide.
Trump described the human cost of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, noting that last month alone, 31,000 soldiers mostly Russian were killed, while the Russian economy continues to struggle. Despite expressing a desire for a quicker resolution, he remained optimistic about eventual settlement.
The capture of Maduro marked a bold demonstration of US military reach. Conducted in the early hours, the operation involved coordinated airstrikes over Caracas, followed by the rapid extraction of Maduro and his transfer via USS Jima to a secure US base. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has now assumed leadership in Venezuela, while Washington moves to assert influence over the country’s oil exports.
The Maduro incident has not only heightened geopolitical speculation but also highlighted the delicate balance between US military power and diplomatic caution in global conflicts.
