Trump says Ukraine needs 'new president', warns Zelensky a day after Russia diesel deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to elect a new leader, claiming the nation requires a negotiator capable of ending the conflict with Russia. Trump also cautioned Zelensky against attacking Russian oil refineries, especially those producing diesel fuel. This warning came a day after Trump announced a proposed Russian diesel supply deal, which would help reduce fuel prices in the United States and globally.

At a White House press conference, Trump criticized Ukraine's assaults on Russian energy infrastructure and threatened repercussions for attacking diesel-producing facilities. He specifically accused Zelensky of disregarding warnings about damaging refineries, stating that Ukraine must select a more competent leader. Trump also questioned Zelensky's negotiation skills, suggesting the Ukrainian president had failed to make significant deals.

Trump attributed the start of the Russia-Ukraine war to "incompetence" under Zelensky's leadership, citing the loss of 30% of Ukraine's territory and over a million casualties as evidence of the war's unjust origins. Following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump revealed the diesel deal, pledging to deliver over 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the U.S. and international markets in the coming months.

Trump attributed this to a successful negotiation, stating that the increased diesel availability would lead to lower prices for Americans and the world. In response, Zelensky condemned the decision to import Russian oil, calling it "unworthy" and a "weak decision."