Trump Urges Ukraine to Replace President After Diesel Deal Criticism

Trump Calls for New Ukrainian President

U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukraine should elect a new leader after President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned a U.S. diesel deal with Russia. Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday that Zelensky “wants to make problems for the world” by authorising attacks on Russian refineries and urged Ukraine to “get a new leader who can make a deal.”

Zelensky’s Criticism of the Diesel Deal

Zelensky warned that the agreement would allow Moscow to raise new funds to source military equipment and continue its war. He described the deal as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin and said it would enable Russia to keep dropping bombs on cities, following recent strikes on Zaporizhzhia.

U.S. Agreement with Russia

Trump confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April. The deal would release an initial 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the American and global market, followed by additional shipments in November and later months, subject to the condition of Russian refineries.

International Reactions

Russia’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev called Trump’s intervention “iconic and historic” and said Ukraine needs leadership focused on peace. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas echoed Zelensky’s concerns, stating that suspending sanctions provides Moscow with more revenue to wage war and that Europe will not ease pressure on Russia.

Context and Uncertainty

The diesel deal is part of Trump’s effort to lower fuel prices in the U.S. ahead of midterm elections. The average price of diesel has risen sharply, affecting the American public. The long-term effects of the deal on Russia’s war funding and global fuel markets remain unclear.