Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy, Suggests Ukraine Needs New President

Former President Donald Trump has publicly stated that it is "time for Ukraine to get a new president," directly blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for high diesel prices.

Trump's remarks come as Russia continues its aerial bombardments of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian strikes killed at least 20 people in the Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday, including three children, and wounded at least 18. Missiles also struck Kyiv, wounding four people.

Trump announced Friday that he had reached a deal to obtain diesel from Russia, a move that reversed years of U.S. pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine and was intended to address high fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the deal, stating on X that "Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia." He added that such actions demonstrate that Moscow interprets any easing of pressure as an opportunity to continue its military operations.

Zelenskyy further elaborated on Telegram, stating that "Russia's choice is war." He asserted that additional revenue from Russian exports would finance weapons, drone upgrades, missile production, and mercenary recruitment, suggesting Moscow would only cease hostilities when its capacity to fight is diminished.

He urged the U.S., Europe, and other partners to restrict Russia's war-fighting capabilities. Zelenskyy also mentioned coordinating with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, on bolstering air defenses and receiving ammunition for F-16s to intercept drones.

Trump's announcement of the diesel deal followed a planned discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which instead pivoted to the energy agreement. According to Trump, Russia will supply over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by larger shipments in November and shortly thereafter.

In Kyiv, the announcement was met with anger and resignation. Oleksandr Petrenko, 26, expressed frustration, stating, "Trump has once again shown his true face." He suggested Trump's focus was on oil and fuel prices for American voters, questioning the effectiveness of such a strategy.

Oksana Yakunina, a financial adviser, commented that the announcement was not surprising, noting Trump's history of engagement with Putin.

European allies have voiced concerns about the deal. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Stockholm regretted the agreement, as energy revenues are vital to Russia's war effort. He highlighted that the European Union was preparing its most extensive sanctions package yet, targeting Russia's military-industrial complex.

A German government spokesperson affirmed commitment to existing sanctions and ongoing efforts to implement further measures with European partners, emphasizing unwavering support for Ukraine.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski questioned Russia's capacity to fulfill the diesel export agreement, citing reports of fuel shortages within Russia and damage to its refining capacity.

Trump's deal contrasts with a recent sanctions law he signed aimed at curtailing Russia's oil and gas revenues. The announcement also occurred as his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met with Ukrainian officials to discuss ending the war.

Zelenskyy suggested that his team might be used as a "smoke screen" and that such treatment was unfair. A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, stated that the Ukrainian delegation was unaware of the diesel deal prior to its announcement and that it was not linked to discussions in Florida. The official confirmed the Ukrainian delegation had departed Florida.