Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the Nobel Peace Prize committee for overlooking U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming the award has “lost credibility.” The 2025 prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her fight for democracy against Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
Putin, speaking in Tajikistan, praised Trump’s efforts to resolve global crises, calling his role in the recent Gaza ceasefire a “striking example” of peacemaking. “Mr. Trump is doing a lot to solve decades-long conflicts,” he said, suggesting Trump’s work, including Ukraine peace talks, could be historic. Putin criticized past Nobel winners, hinting at Barack Obama’s 2009 award, saying some did “nothing for peace,” damaging the prize’s prestige.
Machado, a prominent opposition figure in Venezuela, was honored for her “tireless work” promoting human rights and fair elections in Venezuela, often in hiding. Nobel chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes lauded her advocacy for “judicial independence.” Putin noted an “understanding” with Trump on Ukraine and supported extending the New Start nuclear treaty, which Trump called “a good idea.”
