Trump calls for new Ukraine president
Shafaq News- Washington
US President Donald Trump on Saturday called for Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Speaking to reporters, Trump accused Zelenskyy of repeatedly missing opportunities to end the war with Russia. He also criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, arguing that they were worsening global fuel shortages.
Washington had told Kyiv it could continue targeting Russia but should avoid its refineries because of the impact on global diesel supplies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed Trump’s remarks, calling them “iconic and historic,” arguing that Ukraine needs leadership focused on reaching peace.
President Trump joins the many who believe that Ukraine needs leadership actually focused on peace, not Zelensky’s warmongering: “It’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.” Iconic and historic. 🕊️
— Kirill Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) October 10, 2026
Trump’s dispute with Zelenskyy centers on Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil refineries. Axios reported that Washington repeatedly asked Kyiv to halt the attacks, arguing they were contributing to higher US fuel prices, before Trump moved ahead with sanctions relief for Russian diesel exports.
The US Treasury authorized transactions involving Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027, under General License 135 issued on October 9.
