WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to choose a new leader, accusing President Volodymyr Zelensky of obstructing a potential peace agreement with Russia as tensions grow over Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
Trump made the remarks on Saturday after Zelensky criticised the agreement, which would allow Russia to release large quantities of diesel onto global markets in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin was keen to reach a settlement but accused Zelensky of refusing to make a deal.
“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal,” Trump told reporters, also criticising Ukraine for not holding elections since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Zelensky described the diesel agreement as a “weak decision”, while European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that easing sanctions could help finance Russia’s war. Germany also said it would continue pressing for additional EU sanctions against Moscow.
The dispute comes as Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 21 people, including children, according to the report. Trump also linked Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries to concerns over fuel shortages amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, saying Kyiv had ignored his instructions to halt such attacks.