Trump Calls for New Ukrainian Leadership Amid Dispute Over Russian Diesel Deal

According to reporting by the BBC, US President Donald Trump has publicly stated that "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president." The comment followed sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding a newly confirmed deal that suspends US sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April 2026.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, President Trump asserted that Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world" by authorizing strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. The US President stated that his administration had previously advised Ukraine not to target refineries, citing the global impact of the war on energy supplies, particularly following the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which restricted global oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Zelensky responded to the sanctions relief by warning that the deal provides Moscow with the funds necessary to continue its war effort and source new military equipment. Zelensky characterized the agreement as a "gift" to Vladimir Putin, specifically citing the deal in the context of recent deadly Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia. President Trump retorted that Zelensky should "get a new leader who can make a deal," noting that the Ukrainian president "never does" make such agreements.

The deal, intended to help lower US fuel prices ahead of midterm elections, involves the release of an initial 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel to the global market, with an additional 500,000 tonnes expected in November and further millions to follow, contingent on the status of Russian refineries.

The agreement has met with broader international opposition. According to the BBC, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas stated that easing sanctions "provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war," adding that Europe would not follow suit. In London, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Zelensky, offering "complete solidarity" and calling for an energy ceasefire to facilitate the release of food and energy supplies into the global market. Trump previously suggested in December 2025 that Ukrainian voters should have the option to replace Zelensky, though elections remain suspended under martial law.