Days after the United States carried out a dramatic military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, US President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of taking similar action against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Friday, a reporter asked Trump whether Washington could consider such a mission against Putin in the future. Trump quickly downplayed the suggestion and said he did not believe it would ever be needed.

‘Not Necessary,’ Trump Says

Reacting to comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump made his position clear. Zelenskyy had appeared to suggest that Putin could face the same fate as Maduro.

Trump responded by saying, “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary. I think we’re going to have a – and always had – a great relationship with him.”

He acknowledged ongoing tensions over the Ukraine war but insisted that the US and Russia had historically maintained a strong relationship.

Frustration Over the Ukraine War

While speaking at a meeting with senior US oil and gas executives, Trump expressed frustration that the war in Ukraine has continued for so long.

Referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Trump said he had successfully resolved eight wars in the past and believed this conflict should have been easier to end.

“I wish we could have done it quicker because a lot of people are dying, mostly soldiers,” Trump said.

He also stressed the heavy toll of the war. Trump claimed that around 31,000 people were killed last month alone, many of them Russian soldiers. He added that Russia’s economy was suffering badly as a result of the prolonged conflict.

ICC Arrest Warrant Adds Pressure

Efforts to end the war are further complicated by an arrest warrant issued against Putin by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The court has accused him of war crimes linked to the Ukraine conflict.

This warrant has made diplomatic engagement more difficult and limits Putin’s ability to travel internationally.

Maduro’s Arrest Sparks Global Shock

Trump’s comments came just a week after a surprise US operation in Caracas that led to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro. US forces captured the former Venezuelan leader in a pre-dawn raid and flew him to the United States to face federal drug-trafficking charges.

The operation drew worldwide attention and triggered strong reactions from global leaders.

After the arrest, Zelensky indirectly referred to Putin while commenting on how dictators should be handled. Trump, however, publicly rejected any idea of ordering similar action against the Russian president.

How the Venezuela Operation Was Carried Out

According to US officials, the operation in Venezuela began shortly after midnight. The mission started with airstrikes, followed by the deployment of elite Delta Force troops.

The troops stormed Maduro’s residence and took both him and his wife, Cilia Flores, into custody. They were then flown to New York via a US military base and the USS Jima.

Political Fallout Inside Venezuela

Following Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez took over as president. She condemned the US operation, calling it illegal and criminal.

Despite the harsh criticism, Washington and Caracas have opened early discussions about restoring diplomatic relations. These talks include the possible reopening of the US embassy in Venezuela.

Oil, Investment, and US Strategy

Trump has linked Venezuela’s political transition to its vast oil reserves. He has urged American energy companies to invest in the country while promising security guarantees.

Trump claimed that oil firms are ready to invest up to $100 billion. He also said the US plans to sell large amounts of Venezuelan crude on global markets.

Prisoner Releases and Public Unrest

After the raid, Venezuelan authorities began releasing political prisoners. The US said this step was secured as part of the operation.

Families gathered outside prisons in Caracas, hoping to reunite with loved ones. At the same time, protests continued across the city. Demonstrators demanded Maduro’s release and opposed what they described as US control over Venezuela’s resources.

Casualties From the Raid Revealed

Venezuelan officials later announced that about 100 people were killed and a similar number were wounded during the US operation.

This marked the first official release of casualty figures since the raid, underscoring the deadly impact of the mission and the deep unrest it triggered inside the country.