Trump: ‘It’s Time for Ukraine to Get a New President’
US President Says Zelensky Should Step Aside for Someone Who Can Make a Deal as Tensions Escalate Over US-Russia Diesel Agreement.
US President Donald Trump has said it is time for Ukraine to get a new president, sharply criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over his opposition to a US agreement to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump accused Zelensky of creating problems by continuing to authorise attacks on Russian oil refineries and suggested Ukraine needed a leader willing to negotiate a deal with Moscow.
“He’d better damn well stop,” Trump said, referring to the attacks on Russian refineries, before adding that Ukraine should “get a new leader who can make a deal”.
Zelensky Warns of Russian War Funding
The remarks came after Zelensky criticised Washington’s decision to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7. The Ukrainian president warned that the move would provide Moscow with additional revenue to purchase military equipment and continue its war against Ukraine. Zelensky described the agreement as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that the additional funds could enable Russia to intensify its military operations.
He also accused Moscow of interpreting the agreement as a signal that it could continue bombing Ukrainian cities, following deadly Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia.
Ukraine Under Martial Law
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Elections have been suspended under the wartime arrangements, with the country’s political future remaining a contentious issue amid the ongoing conflict. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with Zelensky over the difficulties in securing a negotiated settlement to end the war.
Russia Welcomes Trump’s Remarks
Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, welcomed Trump’s comments, describing the intervention as “iconic and historic”.
Dmitriev also argued that Ukraine needed leadership focused on achieving peace. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure and transport facilities, adding to pressure on global energy markets.
Global Energy Crisis Adds to Tensions
The dispute over Russian diesel exports comes amid disruptions to global fuel supplies following the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has severely affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway normally handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil flows, making disruptions there a major concern for international energy markets. Trump has said his administration had previously urged Ukraine not to target Russian refineries, arguing that such attacks could worsen global energy supply problems.
UK Backs Ukraine’s Call for Energy Ceasefire
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also spoken with Zelensky, with Downing Street confirming that the UK leader expressed his “complete solidarity” with Ukraine. According to a Downing Street spokesperson, the two leaders agreed that Russia should accept an immediate energy ceasefire and halt attacks on shipping in the Black Sea.
They argued that such measures could help restore the flow of energy and food supplies to global markets.
The latest exchange highlights growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over how to end the war, with Trump’s demand for new Ukrainian leadership adding another dimension to the already strained relationship.
