Ukraine should replace Vladimir Zelensky, US President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday, accusing the Ukrainian leader of refusing peace deals with Russia and worsening global diesel shortages.
“I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” Trump said.
“Zelensky could have settled this war many times. Many, many times. And he chooses not to,” he said.
Trump also accused Zelensky of ignoring warnings against attacking Russian refining facilities.
“We said, you can do whatever you want to Russia, don’t hit the refineries, because that’s a world problem that’s caused. And he wants to make problems for the world,” Trump said. “And what does he do? He goes and hits the diesel fuel.”
I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal.
Zelensky’s mandate as president expired in 2024, but he has retained power since, citing martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that this could undermine an eventual peace deal signed with Kiev.
Trump’s statements came a day after his phone call with Putin, during which the two presidents agreed on a deal aimed at easing the global fuel crisis. The US Treasury temporarily waived sanctions on Russian diesel exports immediately after the conversation.
According to Trump, Moscow agreed to the immediate release of 300,000 metric tons of diesel, followed by another 500,000 metric tons next month.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has confirmed that Moscow is ready to provide the fuel to Washington and other international buyers, and said that exports could be increased to one million tons by December.
Russia will begin lifting its diesel export restrictions ahead of schedule, he said.