Trump Calls for New Ukrainian Leadership as Diesel Deal With Russia Draws Criticism

U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukraine should choose a new leader, arguing that President Volodymyr Zelensky had failed to reach a deal to end Russia’s war.

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after announcing a diesel supply arrangement with Russia, intensifying disagreements over sanctions and the war in Ukraine. [Photo: Press Service of the President of Ukraine]

His remarks came amid controversy over a proposed Russian diesel supply arrangement intended to address rising fuel prices in the United States.

“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 said on Saturday, October 10, according to The Associated Press (AP).

Trump’s comments followed his announcement of a diesel supply arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Under the reported plan, Russia would provide an initial shipment of more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel, with additional shipments expected in subsequent months.

The announcement came as the administration faced pressure to address rising fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections.

Diesel prices have been affected by several factors, including disruptions to energy supplies and the conflict involving Iran.

Trump blamed Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure for worsening the fuel situation.

However, analysts have questioned whether the proposed Russian shipments would be large enough to significantly lower U.S. diesel prices.

Ukrainian and European officials criticized the arrangement, warning that easing restrictions on Russian fuel could provide Moscow with additional revenue while its war against Ukraine continues.

The policy shift has also drawn concern from U.S. lawmakers over its consistency with existing sanctions.

Zelensky has maintained that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities are linked to Moscow’s continuing strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. He said Ukraine was prepared to stop targeting Russian energy facilities if Russia halted its own attacks.

In response to Trump’s comments about replacing him, Zelenskyy said Ukrainians should determine their own leadership.

He also said he would be willing to organize elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire that would allow the necessary preparations.

Trump again claimed that the war would not have started had he been president in 2022. That statement remains a counterfactual political claim, not something that can be independently established.

The dispute highlights the growing tension between Washington’s efforts to lower fuel costs and the broader question of how to maintain pressure on Russia while pursuing an end to the war.