Trump says Ukraine should elect a new president ⁰

US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to elect “a new president,” rebuking Volodymyr Zelensky for repeatedly refusing opportunities to end the war with Russia and disregarding “Washington’s warnings” against attacks on Russian oil refineries.

“I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday.

“Zelensky could have settled this war many times. Many, many times. And he chooses not to,” the US president said.

Trump reiterated his demand later in the day, saying, “He (Zelensky) should have an election,” and again asserting that Zelensky “could’ve solved this war and he could’ve made a deal many times.”

He also criticized Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refining facilities, saying Washington had warned Kiev against targeting the infrastructure because of the consequences for global fuel supplies.

“We said, you can do whatever you want to Russia, don’t hit the refineries,” he said, adding that the attacks have led to a “world problem.” “And what does he do? He goes and hits the diesel fuel.”

Russia launched a “special military operation” in Russian-speaking parts of eastern Ukraine in 2022 in retaliation for Ukraine’s desire to join NATO despite Moscow’s repeated warnings against the Western military alliance’s expansion up to the Russian Federation’s backyard.

Earlier this month, Zelensky said during an interview with Reuters that Ukrainian forces will double down on their attacks targeting Russian oil refineries to deal a blow to the country’s economy.

Trump’s remarks came a day after a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two agreed on a deal intended to ease the global fuel crisis.

Following the conversation, the US Treasury temporarily waived sanctions on Russian diesel exports.

According to Trump, Russia agreed to release 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, followed by a further 500,000 metric tons next month.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that Moscow was prepared to supply fuel to the United States and other international buyers. He also said Russian exports could rise to one million tons by December.

Novak added that Russia would begin lifting its diesel export restrictions ahead of schedule.

Zelensky’s presidential mandate expired in 2024, but he has remained in office, citing “martial law.” Putin has repeatedly argued that the situation could undermine the legitimacy of a future peace agreement signed with Kiev.