Trump says Ukraine should get a new leader as he spars with Zelensky over US-Russia diesel deal

United States President Donald Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, suggesting that Ukraine replace its leadership amid an escalating dispute over a newly announced energy arrangement between Washington and Moscow.

Speaking with journalists at the White House, Trump proposed that Ukraine install a leader who is capable of negotiating a resolution, contending that Zelensky had missed numerous opportunities to end the conflict. Trump also urged Ukraine to conduct elections, despite domestic legal provisions that forbid balloting during wartime. The American leader voiced frustration over Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian petroleum facilities, claiming that such actions disrupt global fuel supplies.

The tensions surfaced following Trump's announcement on Friday that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel onto the international market. The plan aims to lower energy expenses ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Under the described agreement, Moscow would deliver roughly 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by another 500,000 tons in November, amounting to approximately 6 million barrels.

Zelensky strongly rebuked the agreement, characterizing it as funding for a conflict that ought to be stopped rather than prolonged. He labeled the move a weak decision from strong partners and noted the painful timing, as the announcement coincided with meetings in Miami between a Ukrainian delegation, American envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. During those discussions, American representatives reportedly reiterated Trump's desire for an end to Ukrainian refinery attacks.

Market experts and former officials have voiced skepticism regarding the true impact of the diesel deal. Analysts noted that the promised volumes equate to less than two days of domestic American demand and are unlikely to cause meaningful price drops. Furthermore, former diplomats questioned whether Russian refineries possess sufficient capacity to deliver the promised quantities, given widespread domestic fuel strains and export bans triggered by persistent Ukrainian drone strikes.

The policy shift has also drawn pushback from American political figures. Former Vice President Mike Pence condemned the move on social media, warning that providing economic lifelines to Moscow undermines resistance to foreign aggression. Meanwhile, civilian casualties in Ukraine continue to mount from sustained Russian bombardment, including recent deadly strikes reported in eastern regions and Zaporizhzhia.