Trump calls for Ukraine to get a new president after Zelensky criticises diesel deal
President Donald Trump said it is time for Ukraine to acquire a new leader after the Ukrainian president criticised a U.S. deal that would allow the import of millions of tonnes of Russian diesel. Zelensky warned that the deal would provide Moscow with fresh money to keep fighting in the eastern parts of Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters as he left the White House lawn on Saturday, Trump criticised Zelensky for authorising attacks on Russian refineries, calling the Ukrainian head a man who “wants to make problems for the world.” He added that the new commander should be able to sign a deal that ends the conflict over fuel transport.
The U.S. move follows Russia and Ukraine intensifying strikes on each other’s energy infrastructure and logistical hubs. Trump reiterated that the United States and Moscow had reached an agreement to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April.
In response, Zelensky said the suspension would allow Russia to raise funds for new military equipment. He blamed Moscow for using the deal as a pretext to continue bombing Ukrainian cities, pointing to deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia.
The European Union’s foreign‑policy chief, Kaja Kallas, echoed the criticism, adding that easing sanctions would increase Russia’s war‑funding and that Europe would not comply with the new arrangements. She confirmed that European ministers were preparing the largest sanctions package since the conflict began.
The Kremlin‑Ukraine dispute highlights how lifted oil and fuel sanctions could affect U.S. domestic politics. The trade deal is part of Trump’s broader strategy to lower auto‑fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections, after the rise in petroleum prices has cost him political capital. Ukraine’s war-related inflation and fuel shortages tie directly into the U.S. public’s perception of rising costs.
