Overview
- Zelensky said, “If it’s possible to deal with dictators this way, then the United States knows what to do next,” a line widely interpreted as pointing to Vladimir Putin though he did not name him.
- U.S. Special Forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and flew them out of the country, with President Trump releasing a photo of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Southern District of New York indictments that include narco‑terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges against Maduro, with related weapons offenses.
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the operation, urged Washington to release Maduro and his spouse, and called for any U.S.–Venezuela disputes to be resolved through dialogue.
- Maduro and Flores arrived in New York to face federal charges and are to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, with a court appearance expected as early as Monday according to reports.