Trump calls for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy after clash over Russia diesel deal: 'Get a new president'
Trump Urges Ukraine to Change Leadership Over Attacks on Russian Refineries
WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday that it was “time for Ukraine to get a new president,” criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for continuing to strike Russian oil refineries. The remarks came amid a dispute over a U.S.–Russia agreement to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7.
Trump’s comments were delivered before a rally in Tennessee, where he also highlighted the Biden administration’s deal with Moscow that would allow Russia to ship millions of tons of diesel into the United States and global markets. “He’d better d‑well stop,” Trump said, warning that strikes on refineries could worsen global fuel supplies.
“Zelenskyy could have made many deals and for some reason, he never does,” Trump added. He cited the U.S. agreement, which he described as a “highly successful discussion,” as a means to ease fuel shortages and lower prices in America, a country that has seen pump prices climb amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The agreement, announced Friday by Trump, temporarily lifts U.S. restrictions on Russian diesel exports. Under its terms, Russia could deliver diesel to the United States and other markets through early April, potentially boosting fuel availability during a period of heightened energy demand and price volatility.
Zelenskyy has warned that the deal could give Russia additional revenue to purchase weapons and prolong its war against Ukraine. In a recent address to the United Nations, the Ukrainian president called for an “off‑ramp” to the conflict, seeking a lasting resolution after the full‑scale invasion began in February 2022.
The debate over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure has intensified as both sides have stepped up strikes on refineries, transportation hubs and other critical facilities. Analysts say the conflict over energy assets not only fuels the war but also contributes to global market uncertainty.
Trump’s call for a change in Ukrainian leadership reflects a broader effort by the U.S. to curb Russia’s war‑time expenditures and stabilize the global energy supply. Critics argue that the U.S. is effectively subsidizing a potential ally of Russia while Ukraine continues to strike key Russian targets.
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to Trump’s remarks. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s government continues to maintain its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, citing the need to defend the nation against Russian aggression.
As the U.S. seeks ways to lower fuel costs for Americans, the Trump‑Zelenskyy exchange underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics, war, and global energy markets. Whether the U.S. will press further for a diplomatic settlement or continue to support Ukraine’s military actions remains to be seen.