Trump Calls For New Ukrainian Leadership After Zelensky Criticises Russian Diesel Deal

United States President Donald Trump has called for a change of leadership in Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s criticism of an agreement to temporarily suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports to the United States.

Trump accused Zelensky of undermining efforts to address the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, insisting that Kyiv should pursue an agreement that could help end the war.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump criticised Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that such operations could worsen the global energy crisis.

“He’d better damn well stop,” Trump said, suggesting that Ukraine needed “a new leader who can make a deal”.

Zelensky had earlier condemned the US-Russia agreement, warning that allowing Russian diesel exports into the American market would provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its military campaign against Ukraine.

He described the arrangement as a concession to Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that the funds generated could be used to procure military equipment and prolong the conflict.

The agreement comes amid disruptions to global energy supplies linked to the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for international oil trade.

Russia and Ukraine have also intensified attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure and transportation facilities, adding to concerns over global fuel supplies and prices.

Trump confirmed on Friday that Washington and Moscow had reached an agreement to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7.

Under the arrangement, Russia was expected to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel into the American and global markets initially, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November.

Trump subsequently announced on his Truth Social platform that an additional one million tonnes would be supplied, followed by another three million tonnes within a short period. He noted, however, that the further deliveries would depend on the condition of Russia’s diesel refineries.

Zelensky warned that Moscow could interpret the agreement as an opportunity to continue its military operations against Ukraine. He also called for concrete measures to protect civilians following fresh Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia.

The Ukrainian president held discussions with several international allies on Saturday, urging them to take what he described as “real decisions to protect lives in Ukraine” and safeguard European security.

A spokesperson for the British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said the UK leader had spoken with Zelensky and expressed Britain’s full solidarity with Ukraine.

According to the spokesperson, both leaders agreed that Russia should accept an immediate ceasefire covering energy infrastructure and halt attacks on shipping in the Black Sea.

The European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, also criticised the decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports, warning that the move could provide Moscow with additional resources to finance the war.

“This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won’t,” Kallas said.

She added that European foreign ministers planned to approve the bloc’s largest package of sanctions against Russia since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The diesel agreement is part of Trump’s efforts to ease fuel prices in the United States amid mounting economic concerns ahead of the country’s midterm elections.

The conflict involving Iran has contributed to rising petrol and diesel prices, intensifying inflationary pressures and increasing public concerns over the cost of living.

According to the American Automobile Association, the average price of diesel in the United States stood at $6.28 per gallon, compared with $5.94 the previous month and $3.68 a year earlier.

Meanwhile, Russia has experienced two major waves of fuel shortages over the past 10 months following Ukrainian drone attacks on its oil refineries.

The International Energy Agency estimated that Russian diesel production had fallen by approximately 30 per cent.

Trump had previously called for fresh elections in Ukraine, arguing that citizens should have the opportunity to choose a new president.

However, Ukraine’s elections remain suspended under martial law, which has been in effect since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, welcomed Trump’s criticism of Zelensky, describing the US president’s intervention as “iconic and historic” and arguing that Ukraine needed leadership committed to peace.

BBC