Trump says Ukraine needs a new president who will agree to end the war

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to elect a new president, suggesting the current leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, has repeatedly failed to negotiate an end to the conflict with Russia. Trump alleged Zelensky could have brokered numerous ceasefires but chose not to, stating, "Zelensky could have settled this war many times, many many times, and he chooses not to."

The US president emphasized the need for a new leader capable of negotiating a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Trump suggested that the country should choose a leader who can make deals, explaining that Zelensky has consistently declined to do so. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia began over four years ago in February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently rejected unconditional ceasefire proposals, while US-led diplomatic efforts have also failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Trump also accused Zelensky of exacerbating global diesel shortages by targeting Russian oil refineries. This accusation came a day after Trump brokered an agreement with Putin to supply hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel to alleviate global fuel crises. Washington plans to temporarily waive sanctions on Russian diesel to facilitate the deliveries. The Kremlin confirmed the deal, which was met with immediate criticism from Zelensky.

Trump claimed he had warned Zelensky against attacking Russian refineries due to the potential impact on global fuel supplies. "He better damn well stop," Trump stated, urging the Ukrainian leader to cease the attacks on refineries. He warned that the US would not tolerate any further strikes on these facilities. The surge in crude oil and diesel prices following the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February further fueled the controversy surrounding Ukraine's actions.