On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump called for a change in Ukrainian leadership, asserting that "it's time for Ukraine to have a new president." This direct criticism of Volodymyr Zelenski raises tensions between Washington and Kiev to unprecedented levels in recent months.
Trump's remarks came as he was leaving the White House, responding to Zelenski's criticism of an energy deal Washington finalized with Moscow on Friday, allowing Russian diesel into the U.S. and global markets.
Trump accused Zelenski of "wanting to stir up trouble for the world" by continuing to authorize Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. "He needs to stop it," the U.S. president warned, suggesting Ukraine should "find a new leader who can make a deal." Trump also claimed that Zelenski "could have struck many deals but for some reason never does."
The immediate trigger was the agreement announced Friday between Trump and Putin to suspend U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, 2027. Under this deal, Russia would initially supply 300,000 tons of diesel, followed by 500,000 tons in November, one million later, and up to three million additional tons shortly thereafter, depending on the state of Russian refineries.
Zelenski rejected the deal, labeling it "unjust and dishonest" and a "gift to Putin," warning that the revenue generated would fund the Russian war machine. "It allows Moscow to secure new funds to acquire military equipment and continue the war," the Ukrainian president stated.
As Trump defended the agreement, Russian airstrikes on Zaporizhzhia resulted in at least 15 deaths, including three children. Zelenski directly linked the bombings to the lifting of sanctions, claiming it was Russia's "thank you" for the deal, interpreting it as a sign that "it can keep fighting and bombing cities."
European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, supported Ukraine's stance and opposed the pact with Moscow. "This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe will not do so," she declared, adding that suspending sanctions "gives Moscow more revenue to fund the war." Kallas also announced that on Monday, European Union foreign ministers would approve the largest sanctions package against Russia since the invasion began, targeting around 1,600 individuals and entities.
Trump's motivation is openly electoral: diesel prices in the United States hover around $6.28 per gallon, compared to $3.68 the previous year, largely driven by the war involving Washington, Israel, and Iran that began in February 2026. With the November 3 legislative elections approaching, the president seeks to ease fuel prices before voters head to the polls.
The paradox of the deal did not go unnoticed: it was announced just 21 days after Trump signed legislation aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia, which passed the Senate with 86 votes in favor.
This is not the first time Trump has called for a change in Kiev. In February 2025, he labeled Zelenski a "dictator without elections," and in December of that year, he again pushed for elections in Ukraine. However, the martial law in place since the Russian invasion of February 2022 legally prohibits holding elections while it remains in effect, and Zelenski's term, which expired in May 2024, continues due to this institutional reason.
Impact of Trump's Statements on U.S.-Ukraine Relations
Why did Trump call for a new Ukrainian president?
Trump criticized Zelenski for not making deals and for escalating tensions by authorizing attacks on Russian refineries. He suggested a new leader could negotiate better terms.
What was the response to the U.S.-Russia diesel agreement?
Zelenski condemned the deal as a "gift to Putin," arguing it provides Russia funds for its military efforts. The European Union also opposed the agreement, planning further sanctions against Russia.
How does the diesel agreement affect U.S. politics?
With high diesel prices impacting Americans, Trump aims to reduce costs before the upcoming elections, making the agreement politically advantageous despite its controversial nature.