Zelenskyy urges U.S. to pressure Russia by targeting Chechen leader Kadyrov

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the United States to target Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia’s Chechnya region, with an operation similar to the recent U.S. action that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday (7 January), Zelenskyy said Washington has the tools to pressure Moscow and cited the Maduro operation as an example of a swift and high impact mission. He suggested a similar move against Kadyrov, a key supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, could make Moscow reconsider its strategy in Ukraine.

“Let them do some operation with Kadyrov. Maybe then Putin will see this and think about it,” Zelenskyy said, stressing that Kyiv is pursuing diplomacy but must prepare for potential failure on the peace track.

Zelenskyy emphasised that U.S. involvement is critical.

“They have the tools, they know how, and when they really want to, they can find a way. The main thing is that Ukraine is a priority for them,” he added.

Kadyrov has led Chechnya since 2007 and remains one of Moscow’s most vocal backers of the war in Ukraine, sending thousands of fighters to support Russian operations.

Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid growing attention on U.S. special operations following the capture of Maduro, a method that has sparked debate among world leaders.

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