Trump says Ukraine needs new leader who can deal with Putin

President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to relinquish power, advocating for a new president capable of negotiating with Russia. At a White House briefing, Trump criticized Zelensky for refusing to hold elections during wartime and suggested he should step down, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Trump proposed halting attacks on Russian oil refineries and suggested he himself should consider stepping aside as Ukraine's president, intensifying a dispute centered on securing more diesel supplies for the US in advance of the midterm elections. The White House is working with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel fuel into the global markets, bypassing existing sanctions, in an effort to alleviate soaring fuel prices ahead of the Nov 3 elections.

Ukraine's negotiators departed Miami early after talks with Trump envoys on ending Russia's full-scale invasion, while Russia partially lifted its ban on diesel exports, allowing 500,000 metric tons of fuel to enter international markets. Germany and the UK affirmed their commitment to maintaining stringent sanctions on Russia following the US announcement.

Democrats swiftly condemned Trump's decision, arguing that it would provide Russia with much-needed funds for its war efforts in Ukraine, with a Republican representative planning to introduce a bill blocking purchases of Russian oil.