US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to elect a new president, escalating tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after he criticised Washington’s decision to allow Russian diesel supplies amid the ongoing war.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on October 10, Trump argued that Ukraine needed a leader willing to reach an agreement to end the conflict with Russia. His remarks came a day after he announced a diesel supply arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move that drew strong criticism from Kyiv and several European officials.
“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal,” Trump said, adding that he believed it was time for Ukraine to have a new president.
The comments marked another public dispute between Washington and Kyiv over how to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
Zelenskyy Calls Russian Diesel Deal a Weak Decision
Zelenskyy strongly criticised the agreement, arguing that easing restrictions on Russian fuel exports could provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its military campaign.
The Ukrainian president described the decision as a weak move by Washington and warned that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would help finance a war that should be brought to an end.
Zelenskyy also expressed frustration that the agreement was announced while Ukrainian officials were holding discussions with US representatives about possible ways to end the conflict.
Kyiv has consistently urged Washington and its allies to increase pressure on Moscow rather than relax restrictions on Russian energy exports.
The dispute has raised questions about coordination between the United States and Ukraine at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the war remain uncertain.
Trump Defends Deal to Ease Diesel Supply Restrictions
Trump has defended the agreement as a way to increase fuel supplies and address high energy costs affecting American consumers and businesses.
He announced that Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by additional shipments. The White House presented the move as part of an effort to improve fuel availability as prices remain a concern ahead of the US midterm elections.
The US Treasury Department also issued a temporary licence easing sanctions on certain Russian diesel shipments. The precise commercial arrangements, payment terms and longer-term implications of the agreement were not fully clear in initial reports.
The decision represents a significant policy shift from the sanctions pressure Washington has applied to Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Critics argue that allowing additional Russian energy exports could undermine those efforts and provide Moscow with financial benefits. Supporters of the arrangement point to the need to address energy supply and domestic price pressures.
Trump Blames Ukraine’s Attacks on Russian Energy Infrastructure
Trump has also criticised Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure, arguing that they contribute to fuel-price pressures.
He said Zelenskyy should stop targeting Russian refineries, warning that the attacks could create further problems for global energy markets.
Ukraine has defended its strikes as part of its campaign against Russian military and energy infrastructure supporting the invasion. Kyiv has also accused Moscow of repeatedly attacking Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
The two sides remain far apart over the conditions required for a ceasefire or broader peace agreement.
Ukrainian Officials Defend Zelenskyy
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy following Trump’s comments, saying the Ukrainian people had the right to decide who leads their country.
His response underlined Kyiv’s position that Ukraine’s political future should be determined domestically rather than through pressure from foreign governments.
The public exchange also highlights the delicate relationship between the two countries as US officials continue to explore diplomatic options for ending the war.
Peace Efforts Face Fresh Uncertainty
The dispute emerged as Ukrainian, European and US representatives continued discussions about a possible framework for ending the conflict. The diesel agreement has complicated those efforts by creating new disagreements over sanctions, Russian energy revenue and the strategy for securing peace.
Russia has maintained its military campaign while insisting that any settlement must address its demands. Ukraine, meanwhile, has called for security guarantees and measures to prevent further Russian attacks.
It remains uncertain whether the latest diplomatic discussions will produce a breakthrough. Trump’s call for new Ukrainian leadership adds another layer of political tension to negotiations already complicated by competing demands.
For Ukraine, the immediate challenge remains defending its territory while seeking international support. For Washington, the disagreement raises questions about how to balance energy costs, relations with Moscow and commitments to Kyiv.
