Ukraine-Krieg: Nach Trump-Attacke: Ukrainische Regierung stützt Selenskyj

The Ukrainian government has rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for a new president for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha stated on X platform that President Zelenskyy enjoys the support of the Ukrainian people and has the right to decide for themselves. "Foreign statements only confirm that he is fulfilling his duties well.

He deserves support," Sybiha wrote. Meanwhile, Russia bombarded Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, also in the evening. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram platform that there were already eight injured, including a 15-year-old. Trump had demanded a new president for Ukraine on Saturday, claiming that Zelenskyy had often had the chance to end the Ukrainian war, but chose not to.

"I believe it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Klitschko said. Ukrainians should look for a new leader who could reach an agreement to end the war. Despite many opportunities, Zelenskyy had "never done so for some reason." The war began not with Ukraine, but with Russia, which had invaded the neighboring country more than four and a half years ago.

Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin had repeatedly rejected offers for an unconditional ceasefire. Subsequent diplomatic initiatives also came to nothing. As reported by "Bild" reporter Paul Ronzheimer in Kyiv, Zelenskyy's advisers were shocked by the news from Washington that Trump, after the diesel deal with Putin, demanded a new president for Ukraine.

One of Zelenskyy's close advisers had told him that they were aware that Ukraine would be back in focus during the US midterm elections in November, said Ronzheimer on X platform. But they hadn't anticipated this. The greatest concern is that Trump might end the intelligence cooperation. The head of the European Parliament's Defense Committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of the FDP, wrote on X platform that if Trump calls for Zelenskyy's resignation, he stands unequivocally on the side of the murderer.

"Only the Ukrainian citizens in free elections decide on the leadership of Ukraine, not the White House and not the Kremlin," Strack-Zimmermann said. Zelenskyy had previously expressed willingness to hold direct talks with Putin, but categorically rejected invitations to Moscow. A change in Ukraine's top leadership is currently impossible under the constitution, as elections during wartime are excluded.

Trump also accused Zelenskyy of contributing to a diesel shortage by attacking the Russian energy sector. "He wants to give our farmers and cattle raisers problems with diesel fuel, because Russia supplies a large part of diesel fuel worldwide," Trump claimed. Indeed, oil and diesel prices had skyrocketed due to the Iran war, which the US and Israel had started in February.

After the diesel deal declared by Trump with Russia, Zelenskyy reacted indignantly. "Allowing Russia to sell oil products is an investment in the war (against Ukraine) that must be ended and not prolonged," he wrote on Telegram.