Ukraine President Zalensky Points to U.S. Action in Venezuela, Calls for Putin’s Detention

In a striking appeal that has captured international attention, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly urged the United States to detain Russian President Vladimir Putin. This unexpected call draws a direct parallel to a recent U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuela’s ousted leader, Nicolás Maduro.

The comments followed President Zelensky’s meetings with European security officials. Appearing before reporters, a visibly solemn Zelensky stated he was “at a loss for words,” emphasizing the profound significance of the moment. He framed the U.S. action against Maduro not as an isolated event, but as a potential precedent for holding leaders accountable on the world stage.

“The gravity of what has been demonstrated is clear,” Zelensky implied, suggesting that the same principles of accountability could—and should—be applied to President Putin for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

This bold statement underscores Kyiv’s relentless diplomatic and legal campaign to hold Russia responsible for its invasion, which has now stretched into a third year. As the conflict enters what analysts describe as a critical phase, with intensified fighting in the east and south, Zelensky’s remarks aim to galvanize international pressure on Moscow by framing accountability in stark, tangible terms.

The appeal, while legally and politically complex, shifts the narrative surrounding the war, challenging Western allies to consider the extent of consequences for alleged aggression. It comes amid ongoing debates over further military aid to Ukraine and the long-term geopolitical ramifications of the conflict.

The White House has not yet issued a response to President Zelensky’s direct call. The development marks a new, more provocative chapter in Ukraine’s strategy to secure what it sees as justice, leveraging global events to spotlight its central demand: that Vladimir Putin must answer for the war.