Kathrine Frich
Ukraine’s president has issued a brief but striking response to the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
His carefully chosen words, delivered with a smile, were widely interpreted as a pointed message about another long-standing American adversary.
Trump’s announcement
On January 3, US President Donald Trump said American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale military operation. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said Maduro and his wife had been seized and flown out of Venezuela.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi later confirmed that Maduro faces charges including “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy” and cocaine importation, according to the BBC. Bondi said he would face trial in US courts. Maduro has previously denied involvement in drug trafficking.
Zelenskyy reacts
Volodymyr Zelenskyy was asked about the operation after meeting European national security advisers. Smiling, he responded briefly to reporters.
“How should I react to this? What can I say?” he said, according to Mail Online.
He then added: “If it’s possible to deal with dictators this way, then the US knows what to do next.” The remark was widely interpreted as an indirect reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, though Zelenskyy did not name him.
Kyiv’s wider stance
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also commented publicly. In a post on X, he said Ukraine has consistently defended the right of nations to live free from dictatorship and repression.
“The Maduro regime has violated all such principles in every respect,” Sybiha wrote, citing violence, torture, stolen elections and the destruction of democratic institutions.
He added that Ukraine has not recognised Maduro’s legitimacy following disputed elections, aligning Kyiv with dozens of other countries.
Aftermath in the US
Footage later emerged showing Maduro being escorted through a Drug Enforcement Administration office in New York. As cameras filmed, the Venezuelan leader delivered a brief remark.
“Happy new year,” he said.
The arrest has intensified debate over Washington’s readiness to act against authoritarian leaders, while Zelenskyy’s words underscored how closely such actions are watched in Kyiv as the war with Russia continues.
Sources: BBC, Mail Online, Unilad.
