Trump calls for new Ukraine president amid diesel deal dispute

President Donald Trump said Saturday that it is "time for Ukraine to get a new president," following a public clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over a newly announced agreement to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Speaking to reporters outside the White House before traveling to a rally in Tennessee, Trump argued that Zelenskyy has failed to negotiate an end to the war and accused him of worsening global fuel supplies by targeting Russian oil refineries.

The Diesel Agreement and Refinery Strikes

On Friday, Trump confirmed that Washington had reached an agreement with Moscow to suspend restrictions on Russian diesel exports until April 7. According to Fox News, the deal would allow Russia to release millions of tons of diesel into the U.S. and global markets. Source 3, an automated aggregation citing BBC and other outlets, reported that the deal requires Russia to deliver 300,000 tons of diesel from October to the United States and the world market, with plans to increase volumes to one million tons in December.

Trump warned Zelenskyy to stop authorizing strikes on Russian refineries, stating, "We said, 'You can do whatever you want to Russia. Don't hit the refineries' because that's a world problem that's caused." He added, "He'd better d--- well stop," a phrase also reported by DW as "He better damn well stop."

Zelenskyy’s Response and Casualties

Zelenskyy criticized the agreement, warning that it could provide Russia with additional funds to purchase weapons and continue its war. His comments came shortly after Russian attacks killed 20 people in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday. Zelenskyy wrote on X, "Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia."

Trump claimed that Ukraine has "lost 30% of your country" and that "over 2 million people" have been killed. DW reported that independent estimates place the percentage of Ukrainian territory under Russian control at 20%, with British defense officials stating that about half a million Russian soldiers had been killed, while noting there are no reliable recent estimates for Ukrainian deaths.

International Reactions

Kremlin special economic envoy Kirill Dimitriev welcomed Trump’s remarks, posting on X that "President Trump joins the many who believe that Ukaine needs leadership actually focused on peace, not Zelenskyy's warmongering." Source 3 identified him as Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s chief negotiator, and noted he described the remarks as "pivotal and historic."

In response to the sanctions suspension, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas stated, "This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won't." According to Source 3, a Downing Street spokesperson said UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Zelenskyy, offering "complete solidarity," and the two agreed Russia should acquiesce to "an immediate energy ceasefire."

Why it matters

The dispute highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine as the November midterm elections approach. Trump has sought to lower fuel prices amid rising energy costs tied to the conflict with Iran, while Zelenskyy and European allies argue that easing sanctions on Russia undermines efforts to end the war. The disagreement over energy policy and leadership has complicated diplomatic efforts, with planned negotiations in Florida shortened on Friday.

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Sources

• foxnews.com: President Trump says Ukraine needs a 'new president' and warns on refinery hits | Fox News
• dw.com: Trump says Ukraine should elect a new president
• newscord.org: Trump Says Ukraine Must Appoint New President, Pressures Zelensky Over Russia Diesel Deal: 98 outlets compared | NewsCord

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.