Trump Calls for New Ukrainian President Amidst Criticism of Zelensky's War Strategy

Former President Donald Trump on Saturday urged Ukraine to "get a new president," expressing his dissatisfaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership amidst the protracted conflict with Russia.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump asserted that Zelensky has had multiple opportunities to negotiate an end to the war, which he believes should have never begun. "You’ve lost 30% of your country and you’ve had over a million people killed. … I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump stated, according to reports.

Trump also claimed he had advised Zelensky against targeting Russian oil refineries, suggesting these actions contribute to global energy problems. "I said to him: ‘do what you want, don’t hit refineries,’" Trump recalled. "That’s a world problem that’s causing. And he wants to make problems for the world."

These comments come in the context of a recent agreement for Russia to supply 300,000 metric tons of diesel to global energy markets. The move was framed by Trump's administration as a response to the ongoing volatility in energy prices, with average US diesel prices exceeding $6 per gallon.

Trump's remarks also coincide with his travel to red-leaning states for campaign rallies leading up to the midterm elections. Republicans have expressed concerns that high fuel costs could impact tight races in agricultural states. Some within the party, like Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), have voiced apprehension that easing sanctions on Russian oil could inadvertently fund Russia's war efforts, potentially emboldening further aggression.