US President Donald Trump has stated that there is currently no necessity to detain Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite growing calls from global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for decisive action following the recent detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. Trump emphasized that dialogue, rather than military intervention, should be the preferred path to resolving the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Speaking at a media briefing, Trump remarked that Putin does not fear European nations but is wary only of the United States under his leadership. “Putin is not afraid of Europe. He is afraid of America when I am leading it. We have always shared a great relationship,” Trump said, highlighting his influence on global strategic affairs.
Commenting on Zelenskyy’s remarks—who had praised the US for its ability to manage dictators following Maduro’s capture—Trump stressed that military action against Putin is unnecessary. He also expressed concern over the prolonged war in Ukraine, noting the devastating human cost with hundreds of thousands of soldiers already killed in the conflict.
Analysts have pointed out that a scenario similar to Maduro’s detention is highly unlikely in Russia’s case. With Putin heading a major global power possessing extensive nuclear capabilities, any attempt to capture him would be impractical and extremely risky. Experts emphasize that Russia remains strategically strong, and coercive actions against its leadership are not feasible under current circumstances.