Trump demands Ukraine get a new president, lashes out at Zelensky

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to install a new leader, suggesting that incumbent President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently refused to negotiate an end to the conflict with Russia. During a press conference at the White House, Trump contended that Zelensky had the ability to resolve the war multiple times but chose not to.

The former president proposed that Ukraine should elect a leader who could secure a deal, citing Zelensky's apparent inability to reach agreements. The call for a new Ukrainian leader came amid ongoing Russian aggression, with Kremlin forces initiating a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently rejected calls for a cease-fire, while diplomatic efforts led by the United States have also failed to achieve progress.

Trump also accused Zelensky of exacerbating global diesel shortages by targeting Russian oil refineries with airstrikes. This allegation emerged a day after Trump brokered an agreement with Putin for Russia to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel fuel to help ease worldwide fuel scarcity. Washington intends to temporarily suspend sanctions on Russian diesel to facilitate the deliveries.

The Russian government confirmed the arrangement, which drew swift condemnation from Zelensky. Zelensky accused Trump of exacerbating challenges for Ukrainian farmers and ranchers by increasing diesel fuel demands, given Russia's significant role in global diesel production.