US President Donald Trump has called for a change in Ukraine’s leadership, claiming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has failed to adequately pursue peace amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Speaking to reporters at the White House before heading to Tennessee on Saturday, Trump said, “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal because he could have made many deals and for some reason he never does.”
Trump’s comments were praised by Kirill Dmitriev, a top economic adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described Trump’s remarks as “iconic and historic.” Dmitriev stated that many believe Ukraine needs leadership focused on peace rather than Zelenskyy’s “warmongering.”
This statement follows Zelenskyy’s criticism of Washington’s recent agreement with Moscow to purchase Russian diesel, an effort to combat rising fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections. European officials have expressed concern over the deal, warning that it could finance Russia’s military activities.
Trump stated that Russia is set to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to global markets, with an additional 500,000 tons expected in November. Zelenskyy labelled this deal a “gift to Putin,” arguing it does not contribute to peace and is an investment in prolonging the conflict.
Zelenskyy added, “Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged. What is needed is real de-escalation with Russia on a reciprocal basis.”
In the US, diesel prices have risen sharply since conflicts in Iran and Ukraine began, contributing to a global energy crisis. Trump has attributed the surge in prices solely to Zelenskyy, previously urging him to cease attacks on Russian oil facilities, which he claims exacerbate shortages.
“He wants to make problems for the world. He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers, with diesel fuel,” Trump commented, noting that he had warned Zelenskyy not to target diesel supplies.
Amid these developments, Trump’s approval ratings have significantly declined. An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted last month found that 71% of American adults disapprove of how he is managing relations with Iran.
