Trump Says Ukraine Needs New President Amid Fuel Dispute
Usagevpn.com – Trump says Ukraine needs new president, arguing that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not done enough to secure an agreement to end Russia’s invasion. The US president made the remarks as a dispute widened over an arrangement involving Russian diesel fuel.
Speaking to reporters at the White House before travelling to Tennessee on Saturday, Trump said Kyiv should have a leader prepared to negotiate with Moscow. His comments came as Washington sought to address elevated diesel prices ahead of the midterm elections.
“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal because he could have made many deals and for some reason he never does,” Trump said.
Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin’s special envoy for economic cooperation and a leading economic negotiator for Vladimir Putin, welcomed Trump’s intervention. In a post on X, Dmitriev called the comments “iconic and historic” and accused Zelenskyy of prioritising war over peace.
Russian diesel deal fuels diplomatic divide
Tensions intensified after Zelenskyy criticised Washington’s understanding with Moscow over Russian diesel exports. The arrangement is intended to add fuel supplies to the US and global markets while diesel costs remain high.
Trump said Russia would release significant diesel volumes after discussions with Putin, including more than 300,000 tonnes immediately and a further 500,000 tonnes during November.
“Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 tons during the month of November,” Trump said.
Zelenskyy condemned the move as a concession that could strengthen the Kremlin while Russia continues its war against Ukraine. He argued that petroleum revenue could help fund Russia’s military campaign.
“Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged. What is needed is real de-escalation with Russia on a reciprocal basis,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president described the diesel arrangement as a “gift to Putin,” saying it would not bring peace or benefit the “civilised world.” Trump says Ukraine needs new president because, in his view, a different approach from Kyiv could help produce a settlement.
Energy prices and the war in Ukraine
US diesel prices have risen sharply since the United States and Israel carried out a joint attack on Iran on 28 February. The conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine have both added to the wider energy crisis, increasing costs for transport, agriculture and industry.
Trump has blamed Zelenskyy for worsening US diesel prices, particularly through Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure. He has urged Kyiv to avoid attacks that could disrupt diesel supply.
“He wants to make problems for the world. He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers, with diesel fuel,” Trump said of Zelenskyy.
Ukraine regards strikes on Russian energy sites as part of its effort to reduce Moscow’s ability to sustain the war. Trump, however, has framed the attacks as a contributor to economic pressure on American consumers, farmers and ranchers.
The disagreement reflects sharply different views of de-escalation. Zelenskyy has called for reciprocal action by Russia, while Trump argues that Ukraine should show greater flexibility in negotiations. Moscow has welcomed Trump’s criticism of the Ukrainian leader.
FAQ for US readers
Why does diesel matter to US households and businesses? Diesel is widely used in freight transport, farming, construction and industrial activity. Higher prices can raise operating costs and contribute to more expensive goods and services.
Why does Zelenskyy oppose Russian diesel sales? Zelenskyy argues that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products provides revenue that could support its war against Ukraine.
What is Trump’s position on Ukraine’s leadership? Trump says Ukraine needs new president because he believes Zelenskyy has missed opportunities to negotiate an end to the conflict.
