Trump Says Ukraine Needs a New President as Diesel Deal With Russia Triggers Fierce Backlash

President Donald Trump said Saturday it is time for Ukraine to get a new president, delivering some of his harshest words yet about Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries for hurting global diesel supplies and said Zelenskiy was creating problems for American farmers and ranchers. Trump also demanded the strikes stop, saying Zelenskiy “better damn well stop” and had been told to pick other targets. The comments came a day after Trump announced a diesel supply deal with Russia that lifted sanctions on its exports.

Zelenskiy Links Deal to Deadly Zaporizhzhia Strike

Zelenskiy said the deal emboldened Moscow, pointing to a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia that killed 20 people, including three children. He said Russia answered the easing of pressure with five glide bombs on residential buildings. Russia said it partially lifted its diesel export ban. It was the third mass casualty strike in a week, after nearly 80 civilians died Wednesday and Thursday, including at least 30 in Kramatorsk and 22 in Pryluky.

Diesel Prices, Midterms and Sanctions Pressure

Diesel prices have soared since the Iran war began in February and now threaten Republicans ahead of next month’s midterms. Analysts doubt the deal will bring lasting relief. Republican Rep. Don Bacon argued Congress should add sanctions, not lift them. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham promised tougher sanctions on Russia.

Putin said talks are unlikely to resume soon. Witkoff and Kushner may visit Moscow within two weeks.