{
  "id": 13892109,
  "title": "Kremlin Claims Trump Wants New Ukrainian President as Zelensky Avoids ‘Difficult Decisions’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/kremlin-claims-trump-wants-new-ukrainian-president-as-zelensky-avoids",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T06:17:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Post",
    "slug": "kyiv-post",
    "url": "https://www.kyivpost.com/post/86766"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that US President Donald Trump had suggested Ukraine elect a new president due to President Volodymyr Zelensky's reluctance to make the crucial decisions required to cease Russia's ongoing war. Peskov argued that the president of Ukraine must display the political will to undertake these necessary actions. \"Either Zelensky assumes that responsibility and demonstrates that political will, or he does not,\" Peskov asserted, noting that Zelensky has thus far failed to do so.\n\nZelensky responded vehemently to Trump's proposal on Sunday, but also indicated that Ukraine could consider elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. The tensions between the two leaders escalated again after Trump announced plans to waive sanctions on large amounts of Russian diesel fuel to help reduce prices before the November US midterm elections. On Saturday, Trump directly criticized Zelensky over Ukraine's recent strikes on Russian oil refineries, which he claimed had led to higher diesel prices, and urged him to step down and be replaced by a leader willing to negotiate a lasting peace.\n\nWhen asked about Trump's claim in a televised interview with ABC News, Zelensky reminded US officials that the decision of Ukraine's future leadership rests with its society and people. He further stated that he had told Trump's team that if they genuinely desired elections – the country's first since Russia invaded in 2022 – they should ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant Ukraine a full 60-day ceasefire, after which elections could be held.",
  "summary": "Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed Trump had suggested Ukraine choose a new president because Zelensky was unwilling to make difficult decisions to stop the war.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kremlin spokesperson claims Trump suggested Ukraine elect new president",
    "Zelensky rebuffed Trump's proposal, emphasized need for ceasefire",
    "Trump waived sanctions on Russian diesel fuel amid election tensions"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The growing friction between Washington and Kyiv signals a shift where US political interests may increasingly prioritize immediate economic stability and peace negotiations over long-term Ukrainian sovereignty.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}