Trump Calls for Zelensky Replacement After Russia Diesel Deal

US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to choose a new leader after President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized a US agreement to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports. Trump made the remarks outside the White House on Saturday, arguing that Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries were creating problems and urging Zelensky to negotiate an agreement with Moscow.

The dispute centers on a US decision to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April. Trump confirmed the agreement on Friday, while Zelensky warned that the arrangement would provide Russia with additional revenue to finance its war against Ukraine.

Trump directly challenged Zelensky's leadership while defending his position on attacks against Russian energy infrastructure.

"It's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump said.

He accused Zelensky of pursuing a course that could affect international interests and criticized Ukraine's continued strikes on Russian refineries.

"He'd better damn well stop," Trump said.

Trump said Washington had previously allowed Ukraine to strike Russian targets but had specifically asked Kyiv to avoid refinery attacks because of their potential effects on the wider world.

"We said, 'You can do whatever you want to Russia, don't hit the refineries', because that's a world problem that's caused," Trump said.

He also argued that Zelensky had failed to reach agreements that could help resolve the conflict.

"He could have made many deals and for some reason, he never does," Trump said.

Trump further criticized the Ukrainian president for what he described as his approach to international negotiations.

"Wants to make problems for the world," Trump said of Zelensky.

He also called for Ukraine to choose a leader more willing to negotiate with Russia.

"Get a new leader who can make a deal," Trump said.

Zelensky, meanwhile, argued that easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports would undermine efforts to pressure Moscow over its invasion. He said the additional income could help Russia obtain military equipment and sustain its operations in Ukraine.

Following deadly Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia, Zelensky accused Moscow of interpreting the agreement as permission to continue its military campaign.

"To mean they can keep fighting, to mean they keep dropping bombs on cities," Zelensky said, describing how Russia could interpret the deal.

The Ukrainian president also contacted several allies on Saturday to discuss the latest developments and called for stronger measures to protect Ukraine and European security.

"Real decisions to protect lives in Ukraine," Zelensky said, outlining what he wanted from international partners.

European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas also criticized the US agreement, warning that suspending sanctions would increase the financial resources available to Moscow. She said European governments intended to maintain pressure on Russia despite Washington's decision.

"Provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war," Kallas said, describing the consequences of the sanctions suspension.

She emphasized that the European Union did not support easing pressure on Russia while the war continued.

"This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won't," Kallas said.

European foreign ministers were expected to approve the largest package of sanctions against Russia since its full-scale invasion began on Monday, according to the report.

The diesel agreement forms part of Trump's effort to bring down fuel costs in the United States ahead of the midterm elections. The administration has faced political pressure as the war involving Iran, which began in February, contributed to higher fuel prices and broader inflation.

The American Automobile Association reported that the average US diesel price had reached $6.28 per gallon, compared with $5.94 the previous month and $3.68 a year earlier. The increase has added to concerns about the cost of transportation and its effects on household and business expenses.

Under the agreement, Russia would initially release 300,000 tonnes of diesel to international markets, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November. Trump also outlined plans for an additional 1 million tonnes and a further 3 million tonnes within a short period.

Trump said the timing of the final delivery would depend on the condition of Russian diesel refineries. The facilities have faced repeated Ukrainian drone attacks, contributing to two waves of serious fuel shortages in Russia over the previous 10 months.

The International Energy Agency estimated that Russian diesel production had fallen by 30%. Ukraine has remained under martial law since the war began in 2022, a measure that has suspended elections.