US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to elect a new president after Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky criticised a reported US agreement involving Russian diesel exports.
Trump made the remarks outside the White House on Saturday, accusing Zelensky of creating problems by continuing to authorise attacks on Russian oil refineries. “He’d better damn well stop,” Trump said, suggesting Ukraine should choose a leader willing to negotiate a deal with Moscow.
Zelensky had warned that allowing Russian diesel exports into the US would provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war against Ukraine. Further speaking, he described the reported arrangement as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said he had previously told Zelensky that Ukraine could continue attacking Russian targets but should avoid strikes on refineries because of their wider effects on global energy markets.
“He could have made many deals and for some reason, he never does,” the US president added.
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed Trump’s comments, describing the intervention as “iconic and historic”. He argued that Ukraine needed leadership focused on achieving peace. Trump reportedly confirmed on Friday that Washington had reached an agreement with Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7.
Zelensky warned that the arrangement could provide Russia with funds to purchase additional military equipment and prolong its invasion. Furthermore, he accused Moscow of interpreting the reported agreement as permission to continue its military campaign, including attacks on Ukrainian cities.
