Trump Calls for New Leadership in Ukraine Amid Dispute Over Russian Diesel and War Strategy

United States President Donald Trump has stated that Ukraine should replace Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a new leader, criticizing him over Kyiv’s strikes on Russian oil refineries that have contributed to rising diesel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.

“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal,” Donald Trump said at the White House on Saturday, adding that “for some reason Volodymyr Zelenskyy never does.” Donald Trump claimed that under Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine has lost territory and suffered massive casualties, stating that it is time for Ukraine to get a new president.

Following the remarks, Andriy Sybiga, Ukraine’s foreign minister, defended Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a post on X, stating that he holds the support of the Ukrainian people and deserves backing.

The statements came after Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to purchase diesel from Russia in an effort to lower US fuel prices ahead of the midterms. Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and blamed Ukraine for high US diesel costs.

Meanwhile, Russian strikes killed at least 20 people in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, according to local officials, amid ongoing aerial bombardments and front-line stalemates.

The diesel agreement drew sharp criticism from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who argued on X that easing sanctions allows Moscow to continue funding its military efforts. In response to the developments, Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed countering the situation and shoring up air defenses with French President Emmanuel Macron and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

While European allies expressed dismay at the Russian oil deal, Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian officials in Miami on Friday to discuss proposals for ending the war.