President Donald Trump stated that it is time for Ukraine to elect a new leader, reacting to Volodymyr Zelensky’s criticism of the recent U.S.–Russia diesel agreement.
The Ukrainian president warned that a new agreement to release millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the United States would funnel funds to Moscow, enabling it to sustain its war against Ukraine, which he described as a boon for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump said Zelensky ‘wants to create problems for the world’ by persisting in authorizing strikes on Russian refineries.
‘He had better stop that immediately,’ Trump declared, adding that Ukraine ought to ‘choose a new leader capable of striking a deal’.
Global fuel supplies, including diesel, have been sharply constrained by the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz—a route that normally carries about one‑fifth of the world’s oil products.
Russia, a major energy producer, and Ukraine have escalated attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure and transport networks, further tightening energy markets.
Trump continued, “We told them they could do whatever they wished to Russia, but to avoid hitting refineries, since that creates a global problem.”
He could have struck numerous agreements, yet for reasons unknown, he has not done so.
Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of President Putin, characterized Trump’s remarks as ‘iconic and historic,’ asserting that Ukraine requires leadership genuinely committed to peace.
On Friday, President Trump confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Moscow to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7.
Zelensky responded that the deal would enable Moscow to raise fresh funds to acquire new military equipment, thereby prolonging the conflict.
He also accused Moscow of interpreting the deal as permission to keep fighting and to continue bombing cities, citing recent deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia.