Trump calls for replacing Zelensky after Russian diesel deal

· Politics · Ukraine · United States

US President Donald Trump said Ukraine needs 'a new president', suggesting Volodymyr Zelensky has not done enough to end the war and has disobeyed his orders not to strike Russian oil refineries. The remarks came a day after Washington moved to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel to ease US fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. Zelensky condemned the deal, saying it would help Moscow fund its war. Germany said it would maintain its own sanctions on Russia, and UK figures including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham reiterated solidarity with Kyiv. Russia's continued strikes on Ukraine this week killed civilians in Zaporizhzhia and elsewhere.

Why it matters：A public US push to replace Ukraine's wartime leader, paired with sanctions relief for Moscow, could fracture Western unity and reshape the war's trajectory.

Key points

  • Trump blamed Zelensky for US diesel prices and said he 'wants to make problems for the world'.
  • The deal would ship Russian diesel to the US, roughly one day of American consumption.
  • Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia killed at least 20 people, including children.

Sources (original reporting)

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