Donald Trump Calls for New Ukrainian Leadership Following Diesel Deal Dispute
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he believes "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president" in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's criticism of a recently announced U.S. fuel agreement with Russia.
Zelensky warned that the new deal, which will release millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the United States, provides Moscow with financial resources to continue its war against Ukraine, describing the arrangement as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump alleged that Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world" by continuing to authorise attacks against Russian oil refineries. "He'd better damn well stop," Trump said, before suggesting that Ukraine should "get a new leader who can make a deal."
Global Fuel Shortages and US-Russia Agreement
Global energy supplies, including diesel, have faced severe constraints following the war against Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel. The conflict led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime route through which approximately one-fifth of global oil products normally transit. Concurrently, Russia and Ukraine have escalated strikes on each other's energy infrastructure and transport networks, further destabilising international fuel markets.
Trump stated that the U.S. had instructed Ukraine not to target Russian refineries, calling the resulting disruption a global problem. "He could have made many deals and for some reason, he never does," Trump added regarding Zelensky.
Trump confirmed on Friday that an agreement had been negotiated with Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7. Under the agreement, Russia will initially supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel to American and international markets, followed by an additional 500,000 tonnes in November. Subsequent releases of one million tonnes and another three million tonnes are planned within a short period, subject to the operational condition of Russian refineries.
Reactions from International Leaders
Responding to the deal, Zelensky stated that the suspension of sanctions enables Moscow to raise revenue for military equipment and maintain its offensive. He linked the development to ongoing Russian strikes, citing recent deadly attacks on Zaporizhzhia.
In contrast, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised Trump's comments as "iconic and historic," stating that Ukraine requires leadership focused on peace.
Zelensky held consultations with several international allies on Saturday, appealing for European security measures and concrete decisions to safeguard lives in Ukraine. A spokesperson for Downing Street confirmed that U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Zelensky to express "complete solidarity." Both leaders agreed Russia should accept an immediate energy ceasefire and halt attacks on Black Sea shipping, which they noted would quickly free up global energy and food supplies.
European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas also criticised the U.S.-Russia agreement, echoing concerns that suspending sanctions provides Moscow with war revenues. Kallas stated that Europe would not reduce pressure on Russia and noted that EU foreign ministers plan to approve their largest sanction package against Russia since the 2022 invasion on Monday.
Impact of Fuel Prices and Ukrainian Infrastructure Strikes
The deal represents the Trump administration's latest effort to reduce domestic U.S. fuel prices ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Escalating fuel costs caused by the war involving Iran, which began in February, have significantly raised petrol and diesel prices in the U.S., driving broader inflation. According to AAA data, average U.S. diesel prices reached $6.28 per gallon, compared to $5.94 a month earlier and $3.68 last year.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries over the past 10 months caused two waves of domestic fuel shortages inside Russia, resulting in an estimated 30 percent decline in Russian diesel production, according to the International Energy Agency.
Trump previously called for new elections in Ukraine in December, suggesting voters should have the opportunity to replace Zelensky. However, elections in Ukraine remain suspended under martial law, which has been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
