Trump Calls for New Ukrainian Leadership as U.S. and Russia Agree on Diesel Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that Ukraine needs a new president, publicly criticizing Volodymyr Zelenskyy and blaming him for high U.S. diesel prices. Mr. Trump suggested that Mr. Zelenskyy has failed to make a deal to end the conflict with Russia and accused him of creating global problems by targeting Russian energy infrastructure. The remarks follow an agreement announced on Friday in which the U.S. and Russia struck a deal to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Under the arrangement, Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel, followed by 500,000 tons in November, 1 million tons shortly thereafter, and an additional 3 million tons within a short period, with sanctions suspended until April 7. Mr. Zelenskyy strongly condemned the diesel agreement, stating on social media that it gives Moscow extra revenue to buy weapons, upgrade drones, and recruit mercenaries. He argued that the deal signaled to Russia that it could continue bombing Ukrainian cities, pointing to recent Russian aerial strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region that killed at least 20 people, including three children, and wounded 18 others. International reactions to the diesel agreement and tensions varied across capitals. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas criticized the suspension of sanctions, noting it provides Moscow with more funds to wage war. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Mr. Zelenskyy to offer complete solidarity, agreeing that Russia should accept an immediate energy ceasefire and halt attacks on Black Sea shipping.

Context

Global energy markets face intense pressure due to the war against Iran led by the U.S. and Israel, which effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and limited worldwide fuel supplies. President Trump has sought to lower domestic fuel costs ahead of U.S. midterm elections by securing alternative diesel sources, while Ukraine remains under martial law with elections suspended since the 2022 Russian invasion.