President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian citizens to consider replacing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating he has not done enough to negotiate an end to the war with Russia and reduce diesel prices. Trump attributed rising diesel prices to Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries, telling reporters outside the White House on Saturday, "I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president."
Fuel costs have increased in connection with the U.S.'s involvement in the conflict in Iran, which has led to Iranian attacks on refineries in the Persian Gulf and restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a significant transportation route. On Friday, Trump announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel to alleviate U.S. fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections, which drew criticism from Zelenskyy. Following this announcement, Russia initiated a series of strikes targeting Kyiv and the Zaporizhzhia region.
Zelenskyy expressed surprise at the deal in an interview with Axios, stating it suggested to Russia that continued attacks on Ukraine were acceptable. He remarked, "Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world," adding that Russia would respond to the diesel deal with further aggression. Trump, who has had a contentious relationship with Zelenskyy, claimed that the Ukrainian leader "chooses not to" pursue an end to the conflict, asserting that Zelenskyy should "better damn well stop" targeting refineries. Trump noted that Russia plays a significant role in the global diesel supply, which he said has been adversely impacted by the ongoing strikes. "He wants to make problems for the world; he wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers, with diesel fuel," Trump stated on Saturday.