Zelenskyy Praises U.S. Capture of Nicolás Maduro, Signals Further Action Against Dictators
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong support on January 4 for the recent U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro. Speaking after a meeting with national security advisors from the Coalition of the Willing, Zelenskyy hinted that the United States “knows what to do next” with authoritarian figures following the dramatic raid in Caracas.
In the early hours of January 3, U.S. forces executed a meticulously planned mission, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” which involved over 150 aircraft and a coordinated effort by military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized from their compound and transported aboard the USS Iwo Jima to New York, where they now face federal charges. The indictment, announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi, accuses Maduro of leading a narco-terrorism conspiracy linked to large-scale cocaine trafficking into the United States, along with related weapons offenses. Flores is charged with participating in the decades-long drug trafficking operation and firearms violations.
President Zelenskyy, addressing reporters in Kyiv, remarked in Ukrainian, “Regarding Venezuela? How should we respond to this? Well, what can I say is, if you can do that with dictators, then the United States knows what to do next.” His comments underscore a broader message of resolve against authoritarian regimes, especially as Ukraine continues to face aggression from Russia.
The operation has drawn sharp condemnation from Moscow. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the seizure, demanding the immediate release of the “legitimately elected president of a sovereign country and his spouse.” Russia’s stance reflects its longstanding alliance with Maduro’s government, which has faced increasing international isolation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military’s Joint Chiefs Chairman, Gen. Dan Caine, hailed the mission as a testament to American commitment to justice and global stability during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago alongside President Donald Trump and senior officials. Trump, who has framed the capture as a “smart” move, emphasized that he had no communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the operation, despite tensions between the two leaders.
The charges against Maduro build on indictments first filed in 2020, highlighting a persistent U.S. effort to hold him accountable for narcotics trafficking and related crimes. The Department of Justice has described the evidence against Maduro as overwhelming, signaling a high-profile trial ahead.
Domestically, reactions have been mixed. Some U.S. lawmakers praised the operation as a reassertion of American strength on the world stage, while others raised concerns about the humanitarian impact on Venezuelan refugees. The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with international partners.
As the world watches the unfolding legal and geopolitical ramifications, Zelenskyy’s remarks resonate as a call for decisive action against oppressive regimes. His endorsement of the U.S. operation comes amid ongoing conflict with Russia, underscoring the interconnected challenges of global security and democracy.
For more information on the U.S. military’s role and the legal proceedings, visit the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice official websites.
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