Trump Calls for New Ukrainian President Amid Diesel Deal Criticism

Former President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he believes "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's criticism of a US deal to import Russian diesel fuel. Trump, speaking to reporters as he departed the White House, asserted that Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world" by continuing to authorize attacks on Russian refineries.

"He'd better damn well stop," Trump said, before suggesting Ukraine "get a new leader who can make a deal." He confirmed on Friday that an agreement had been reached with Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7. Trump stated that his administration had instructed Ukraine not to target refineries, calling such actions "a world problem."

Zelensky had previously warned that the diesel deal would provide Moscow with funds to continue its war in Ukraine and accused Russia of interpreting the agreement as a license to continue attacks, citing recent deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainian president also stated that the relaxation of penalties would allow Moscow to raise new funds for military equipment.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs chief, echoed Zelensky's concerns, stating that suspending sanctions "provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war." She added, "This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won't." Kallas indicated that European foreign ministers intended to approve a significant package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.

The agreement to import Russian diesel is part of the Trump administration's efforts to lower fuel prices in the United States ahead of the midterm elections. The administration has been contending with the political fallout from rising gasoline and diesel costs, which have been exacerbated by inflation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.