Trump Calls for New Ukrainian President After Russian Strikes

As Russian bombardments continue to kill civilians across Ukraine, US President Donald Trump called for a change in Ukrainian leadership on Saturday, October 10, 2026, arguing that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had failed to secure a deal to end the war. Trump's remarks came amid mounting criticism of his newly announced agreement to purchase Russian diesel.

At least 17 people, including three children, died when Russian aerial bombs struck residential buildings in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. Officials also reported at least 16 wounded. Separately, Russian missiles struck Kyiv during a daytime attack, injuring four people, according to Mayor Vitalii Klitschko.

The attacks followed Trump's announcement of a diesel supply agreement with Russia, a reversal of years of US pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials warned that revenue from the deal could help finance Russia's continued military operations.

Speaking at the White House, Trump questioned Zelenskyy's ability to negotiate an end to the conflict.

"I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal," Trump said.

Trump argued that Zelenskyy had repeatedly failed to reach an agreement with Moscow and said a different leader could pursue negotiations more effectively.

"For some reason [Zelenskyy] never does," Trump added.

Trump also claimed that the war could have been prevented had he occupied the US presidency when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

"That war would have never started. There was no reason that that war with Ukraine and Russia started. It started due to incompetence," Trump said.

He cited Ukraine's territorial losses and the conflict's death toll while arguing that the country needed new leadership.

"Lost 30 per cent of your country and you've had over a million people go between the two of them, over two million people killed. That's a war that should have never started. And I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump said.

Zelenskyy condemned the diesel agreement, arguing that easing economic pressure on Moscow could encourage further attacks. In a post on X, he connected the agreement with the deadly bombardment in Zaporizhzhia.

"Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia," Zelenskyy wrote.

The Ukrainian president said Russia interpreted reduced pressure as an opportunity to continue its military campaign against Ukrainian cities.

"Any easing of pressure to mean they can keep fighting, to mean they can keep dropping bombs on cities," Zelenskyy wrote.

Following additional drone attacks on energy facilities and a ballistic missile strike on Kyiv, Zelenskyy reiterated that Moscow remained committed to military action.

"Russia’s choice is war," Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post.

He argued that additional Russian export revenue would support weapons components, drone upgrades, missile production and the recruitment of mercenaries. Zelenskyy also urged Washington, European governments and other partners to restrict Russia's ability to finance and sustain its military operations.

He said the diesel agreement sent Moscow a signal that continued attacks were permissible.

"It is apparently permissible to continue attacking. And this needs to be corrected," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine was coordinating measures to counter the additional revenue Russia could receive. He also discussed air defense support with French President Emmanuel Macron and said Ukraine expected ammunition for its F-16 aircraft in the coming days to help intercept Shahed drones.

Trump announced that Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tons in November and one million tons immediately afterward. He also described plans for an additional three million tons within a short period.

The announcement drew criticism from European allies, who reaffirmed their commitment to sanctions against Moscow. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed concern about the financial implications of Russian energy exports.

"As energy revenues are central to the Russian war chest," Kristersson said, explaining Stockholm's opposition to the agreement.

Kristersson also pointed to an upcoming European Union sanctions package targeting Russia's military-industrial complex, with 1,600 listings scheduled for adoption on Monday.

German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said Berlin would maintain its existing restrictions and continue working with European partners.

"Remains committed to the sanctions imposed on Russia and is working with its European partners on further sanctions," Kornelius said.

He also reaffirmed Germany's position on supporting Kyiv.

"Remains unwavering," Kornelius said.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski questioned whether Russia could fulfill the announced export commitments, citing reports of fuel shortages in Moscow and damage to Russian refining infrastructure.

He referred to information from sources he considered credible concerning the extent of the damage.

"Serious sources" said Ukraine had damaged about half of Russia's refining capacity, Sikorski said.

He questioned how Russia could supply the promised volumes if its domestic fuel production faced such constraints.

"So where will the surpluses for export come from?" Sikorski asked.

The diplomatic dispute unfolded as Russia and Ukraine continued long-range aerial attacks while their ground forces remained largely deadlocked. Ukrainian officials said Russian bombardments had killed more than 60 people over the preceding four days.