US President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukraine needs a new leader, criticising President Volodymyr Zelensky over his objections to Washington’s agreement with Moscow to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
Trump made the remarks on Saturday as he left the White House, accusing Zelensky of creating problems globally by continuing to authorise attacks on Russian oil refineries.
“He’d better damn well stop,” Trump said, before suggesting that Ukraine should “get a new leader who can make a deal”.
Zelensky has criticised the agreement, warning that allowing Russia to sell millions of tonnes of diesel to the US would provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war against Ukraine.
Trump said Washington had told Ukraine it could continue its operations against Russia but should avoid targeting refineries, arguing that such attacks could have wider consequences for the global economy.
“We said, ‘you can do whatever you want to Russia, don’t hit the refineries’, because that’s a world problem that’s caused,” he said.
He also faulted Zelensky for failing to reach an agreement, adding, “He could have made many deals, and for some reason, he never does.”
Trump confirmed on Friday that an agreement had been reached with Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7.
The move has drawn criticism from Kyiv, with Zelensky arguing that the relaxation of restrictions would give Russia more money to acquire military equipment and continue its invasion.
He also accused Moscow of interpreting the agreement as permission to prolong its military campaign.
Zelensky said the deal could lead Russia to believe it can keep fighting, meaning they keep dropping bombs on cities, following deadly fresh attacks on Zaporizhzhia.
The dispute comes as both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure, transport facilities and major logistics hubs.
The European Union has also criticised Washington’s decision to ease the restrictions temporarily. The bloc’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, said the move would increase Moscow’s resources for continuing the conflict.
Suspending the restrictions “provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war”, Kallas said, adding, “This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won’t.”
She said European foreign ministers planned to approve the bloc’s largest package of sanctions against Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion on Monday.
Trump’s agreement with Moscow is part of his administration’s efforts to bring down fuel prices in the United States ahead of the midterm elections.
The president has faced growing pressure over the cost of living after the war involving Iran, which began in February, sent petrol and diesel prices sharply higher.
The increase in fuel costs has placed additional pressure on American consumers, with higher transport and energy expenses contributing to broader inflation.
The Russian diesel arrangement has therefore become another point of contention between Washington and Kyiv, with Zelensky warning that easing sanctions could strengthen Moscow’s ability to continue the war, while Trump has defended his position and urged Ukraine to pursue a deal.
