Ukrainian President Volodymyyr Zelenskyy has pointed to the United States’ dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a potential model for dealing with authoritarian leaders, suggesting Washington already knows “what to do next.”
Speaking in response to the operation, Zelenskyy said, “If it is possible to deal with dictators like that, then the United States of America knows what to do next,”. His comments were widely interpreted as a pointed reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Ukraine continues to push for stronger international action against Moscow.
Zelenskyy’s remarks came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had successfully captured Maduro and his wife in a covert military operation inside Caracas. According to a detailed report by Reuters, the mission was the result of months of planning and rehearsal and involved elite U.S. units, including Army Delta Force, supported by CIA intelligence assets on the ground.
The operation, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, was approved by Trump four days prior and launched late Friday night after military planners advised waiting for optimal weather conditions. U.S. forces reportedly created an exact replica of Maduro’s safe house to practice entry tactics, while CIA operatives tracked his movements and confirmed his location during the assault.
More than 150 aircraft, including F-35s, F-22s and B-1 bombers, were involved as U.S. forces struck Venezuelan air defense systems and military targets around Caracas. Special Forces then moved into the city under fire, breaching Maduro’s fortified residence in the early hours of Saturday morning. Maduro and his wife surrendered inside the compound and were flown out of Venezuelan territory by helicopter shortly after.
Trump later posted images of the captured Venezuelan leader aboard the USS Iwo Jima, calling the operation unprecedented in scale and execution. U.S. officials said no American troops were killed during the mission, though some sustained injuries.
Zelenskyy’s statement underscores how the capture has already begun to reshape international discourse around accountability for authoritarian leaders. While the White House has made no suggestion that similar action could be taken against Russia, Kyiv has repeatedly urged the United States and its allies to pursue bolder measures as the war in Ukraine grinds on.
For Zelenskyy, the message appeared clear: the successful seizure of Maduro demonstrates that even heavily protected leaders are not beyond reach — and that global powers may have more options than diplomacy alone.
