President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukraine should replace President Volodymyr Zelensky following criticism of a US agreement to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
“I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday, accusing Zelensky of complicating efforts to stabilize global energy markets.
The dispute followed Washington’s agreement with Moscow to allow millions of tonnes of Russian diesel onto international markets, as fuel prices continue to rise amid the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Zelensky condemned the arrangement, warning that additional Russian energy revenues could finance Moscow’s ongoing military campaign against Ukraine.
Trump Warns Against Attacks on Russian Refineries
Trump also criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that such attacks were worsening global fuel shortages.
“He’d better damn well stop,” Trump said, suggesting Ukraine needed “a new leader who can make a deal.”
The agreement comes as disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have sharply reduced global energy supplies. According to AAA, average US diesel prices have reached $6.28 per gallon, compared with $3.68 a year earlier.
European Leaders Criticize Sanctions Relief
European officials also expressed concern over Washington’s decision. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that easing sanctions would provide Moscow with additional resources to continue the war.
“This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won’t,” Kallas said.
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed Trump’s remarks, describing them as “iconic and historic.”
Ukraine has not held presidential elections since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 because martial law prohibits elections during wartime.
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