Trump Calls for New Ukrainian President to End War

Trump’s Call for a New Ukrainian Leader

Trump said at the White House on Saturday that Ukraine should replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a new leader who could negotiate an end to the war. He blamed Kyiv’s strikes on Russian oil refineries for high diesel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections and said Zelenskyy had failed to secure a deal.

Diesel Deal with Russia

On Friday, Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by additional shipments in November and beyond. The move followed Russia’s strikes that killed at least 20 people in Zaporizhzhia. The deal drew a furious reaction from Zelenskyy, who said the attacks showed Moscow could keep fighting.

Ukrainian Response

Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiga defended Zelenskyy, stating he has the support of the Ukrainian people and that foreign statements confirm he is doing his job well. Zelenskyy also warned that every additional dollar Russia earns from diesel exports would fund weapons and that Ukraine was coordinating steps to counter the extra revenue.

Context and Uncertainty

The remarks came amid a long-range aerial war and a deadlocked front line. While Trump’s statements and the diesel deal are confirmed, the effect on the conflict and on U.S. sanctions policy remains unclear.