US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to get a new president, escalating his disagreement with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky over Washington’s decision to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
Key Highlights
- Trump says Ukraine needs “a new leader who can make a deal”.
- The row follows a US-Russia deal suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7.
- Zelensky warns the deal will give Moscow more money to fund the war.
- The EU’s Kaja Kallas says European ministers will approve new Russia sanctions on Monday.
- Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed Trump’s remarks.
Trump made the remarks on Saturday outside the White House after Zelensky criticised a US-Russia agreement allowing millions of tonnes of Russian diesel to enter the American and global markets, warning that the arrangement could provide Moscow with additional funds to sustain its war against Ukraine.
The US president accused Zelensky of creating problems for the international community by continuing to authorise attacks on Russian oil refineries.
“He’d better damn well stop,” Trump told reporters, adding that Ukraine needed “a new leader who can make a deal”.
Trump also claimed that Zelensky had previously rejected opportunities to reach agreements to end the conflict, although he did not provide details of the proposed deals.
The disagreement comes amid intensified Russian and Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure, transport facilities and logistics centres as the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues.
Zelensky, Europe Push Back
Zelensky has argued that easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports would enable Moscow to generate additional revenue for purchasing military equipment and sustaining its battlefield operations.
The Ukrainian leader also accused Russia of interpreting the agreement as an opportunity to continue its attacks, following deadly strikes on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia.
He held discussions with several international partners on Saturday, calling for concrete measures to protect Ukrainian lives and European security.
The United Kingdom also reiterated its position on the conflict after Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Zelensky.
A Downing Street spokesperson said both leaders supported an immediate energy ceasefire and an end to Russian attacks on shipping in the Black Sea.
According to the spokesperson, such measures would help increase the availability of energy and food supplies on international markets.
European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas also criticised the US-Russia agreement, warning that suspending sanctions would increase Moscow’s revenue and weaken pressure on the Kremlin.
Kallas said European foreign ministers intended to approve a new package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.
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Inside The Diesel Deal
Trump’s agreement with Moscow is part of his broader effort to reduce fuel prices in the United States amid mounting economic pressure linked to the war involving Iran.
The conflict, which began in February, has contributed to rising petrol and diesel prices, fuelling public dissatisfaction over the cost of living and broader inflationary pressures.
Under the announced arrangement, Russia would initially release 300,000 tonnes of diesel into the American and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November.
Trump also outlined plans for additional deliveries, including one million tonnes and a further three million tonnes within a relatively short period, subject to the operational capacity of Russian diesel refineries.
The arrangement involves a temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, according to the announcement.
Russia has experienced fuel shortages following Ukrainian drone attacks on its oil refineries, with the International Energy Agency estimating that Russian diesel production declined by about 30 per cent.
Questions Over Ukraine’s Leadership
Trump’s latest remarks have renewed questions about Ukraine’s political leadership during wartime.
He previously called for new elections in Ukraine in December, arguing that voters should have the opportunity to choose whether Zelensky remains in office.
However, Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and elections have been suspended under the country’s wartime arrangements.
Meanwhile, Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed Trump’s intervention, describing it as historic and arguing that Ukraine needed leadership focused on peace.
The latest dispute highlights growing differences between Washington and Kyiv over how to end the war, manage sanctions against Russia and balance international security concerns with pressure to reduce global energy prices.
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