Trump Dismisses Idea of U.S. Mission to Capture Putin Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump rejected the notion of ordering a U.S. mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, dismissing suggestions made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking at a White House meeting with U.S. oil executives on January 10, 2026, Trump conveyed frustration over the protracted Russia-Ukraine war and lamented his inability to bring the conflict to a swift resolution.
During the discussion, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump whether he would consider a mission similar to the recent U.S. operation against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, which Zelenskyy had cited as a precedent. Trump responded, “Well, I don’t think it’s going to be necessary,” emphasizing his longstanding “great relationship” with Putin and expressing disappointment that the conflict had not ended sooner.
“I settled eight wars. I thought this would be in the middle of the pack or maybe one of the easier ones,” Trump said, referencing his previous foreign policy achievements. He highlighted the severe toll the conflict continues to take, particularly on Russian forces, claiming that Moscow has lost approximately 31,000 soldiers in the past month alone. “That’s bad stuff,” he remarked, underscoring the human cost of the war.
Trump also asserted that Russia’s economy is suffering under the strain of the conflict, stating, “The Russian economy is doing poorly.” Despite the ongoing violence, he expressed optimism that a settlement would eventually be reached, though he wished it could have happened more quickly to spare further loss of life.
Criticizing the current administration, Trump argued that the Biden administration’s $350 billion aid package to Ukraine should be offset through agreements involving rare earth minerals, which are critical to modern technology and defense industries. He further claimed that the United States is not losing money in the conflict, pointing to arms sales to NATO allies and NATO’s commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, up from the traditional 2%.
“We’re not losing any money. We’re making a lot of money,” Trump said, framing the ongoing support for Ukraine as economically beneficial for the U.S. defense sector. This perspective contrasts with concerns raised by some policymakers about the long-term costs of American involvement in the conflict.
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in 2022, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread displacement. The conflict remains a focal point of international diplomacy and security discussions, with the U.S. Department of State actively engaged in efforts to support Ukraine and negotiate peace.
Trump’s comments come as tensions continue to simmer, with recent reports of alleged attacks near Putin’s residence — claims that Ukraine has denied. The ongoing hostilities have prompted debates within the U.S. government and among allies about the best approach to resolving the conflict.
For his part, Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for stronger measures against Russia, including the controversial suggestion of capturing Putin, a move Trump clearly rebuffed. The former president’s remarks underscore the complexities and competing strategies shaping U.S. foreign policy in Eastern Europe.
As the war persists, the U.S. Department of Defense continues to provide military assistance to Ukraine, while also monitoring the broader implications for global security. The Pentagon regularly updates the public on these efforts, emphasizing the importance of supporting allies while managing risks.
Meanwhile, economic and diplomatic pressures on Russia remain a key element of the international response, coordinated through organizations such as the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which administers sanctions targeting Russian entities.
As the conflict endures, the debate over U.S. involvement and strategy continues to evolve, with Trump’s recent statements adding to the discourse on how best to achieve peace and protect American interests abroad.
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