Trump Demands Zelensky Ouster After Striking Diesel Deal With Putin

Donald Trump has called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be ousted, following a "sickening" diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The agreement, reportedly aimed at lowering fuel prices and bolstering Republican prospects in upcoming U.S. midterm elections, has drawn sharp criticism from international figures, including former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Trump has blamed Ukraine for soaring global fuel costs, asserting that Kyiv must cease striking Russian oil infrastructure. "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal," Trump told reporters, adding that Zelensky "better damn well stop" attacks on Russian energy assets. He also suggested the conflict began "due to incompetence" on Zelensky's part.

This stance has ignited a strong backlash, with Boris Johnson denouncing the U.S. agreement to lift sanctions on Russian fuel. "It is sickening that the USA is now lifting sanctions on Russian fuel, and transparently ridiculous to blame Ukraine for the spike in prices that obviously began with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz," Johnson stated on social media. He emphasized that Ukrainians are fighting for their lives and argued that forcing American drivers to fund Putin's actions is counterproductive. Johnson proposed that ending the war with a "free, sovereign and independent Ukraine" would bring Russian oil and gas back to the world market.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians in the UK have also condemned the U.S. position. Fears are emerging that the U.S. may cease sharing intelligence with Kyiv as a consequence of these actions.

Trump's reported agreement with Putin will allow for the import of nearly two million tons of Russian diesel supplies into the U.S. This development occurred shortly after Ukrainian forces successfully targeted Russian oil infrastructure, a move that has created a crisis for Putin, despite Russia possessing surplus diesel. The announcement also followed closely behind a new Kremlin strike on Zaporizhzhia, which killed seven civilians, including three children, and wounded ten, with sixteen reported missing.

In response to the U.S. President's remarks, Ukrainian President Zelensky reportedly accused Trump of "weakness" for capitulating to Putin. Despite Trump's recent actions, he signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law just last month designed to curtail the oil and gas revenues funding Putin's war.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with President Zelensky, reiterating his solidarity and discussing the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia. Downing Street stated that the UK would continue to strengthen sanctions and take further actions against the Russian war machine. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of an immediate energy ceasefire from Russia, ending its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and shipping in the Black Sea to release more global energy and food supplies. Sunak and Zelensky are scheduled to meet in person in the coming days.

Andy Burnham, a UK official, also spoke with President Zelensky by phone, assuring him of the UK's continued support. The two leaders are expected to meet face-to-face in the near future.