Kyiv, January 10 2026, (Agencies) – UK Defence Secretary John Healey has said that if given the option to target any world leader, he would take Russian President Vladimir Putin into custody, accusing him of war crimes linked to the conflict in Ukraine. Healey made the remarks while responding to a question from the Kyiv Independent during an official visit to the Ukrainian capital on Friday.
His comments came in the wake of a controversial US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, an action that has triggered intense global debate over sovereignty and international law. The US move drew condemnation from several countries, including Russia, China, India and Brazil, while prompting calls from Ukrainian leadership for tougher action against Moscow.
Responding to a hypothetical question about kidnapping a world leader, Healey said he would “take Putin into custody,” alleging that the Russian president bears responsibility for war crimes, including the alleged abduction of Ukrainian children. Russia has repeatedly rejected these accusations, with its negotiators previously denying such claims during talks held in Istanbul last year.
The UK has emerged as one of Kyiv’s strongest backers since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, providing military assistance and political support. British defence officials have in recent months also urged preparedness for heightened security challenges in Europe, citing growing tensions with Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed recent international actions against leaders accused of serious crimes and has suggested similar measures against Russian officials, although such ideas have not been endorsed by Washington. US President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed the notion of targeting Putin, calling it unnecessary.
Moscow has condemned the US operation in Venezuela as a violation of sovereignty and warned that such actions could push the world toward instability. Russian officials are expected to strongly reject Healey’s remarks, reiterating that accusations against President Putin are politically motivated and unfounded.