United States President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to elect a new leader capable of ending its war with Russia, sharply criticizing President Volodymyr Zelensky over continued strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Saturday, Trump expressed frustration with Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, arguing that such operations were contributing to global fuel market disruptions and rising diesel prices.
“I told him, do what you want against Russia, but don’t hit the refineries,” Trump said, warning that Zelensky “better damn well stop.”
The U.S. president further suggested that Ukraine should seek “a new leader who can make a deal” to bring the conflict to an end.
Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of escalating tensions by authorising attacks on Russian refineries and said Zelensky had failed to take advantage of opportunities to negotiate peace.
The remarks came as Russia and Ukraine intensified strikes targeting energy facilities, transportation networks and key logistics infrastructure.
Trump also confirmed that Washington had reached an agreement with Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, a move he said was aimed at easing pressure on global fuel prices.
Zelensky condemned the decision, arguing it would provide Russia with additional revenues to procure military equipment and sustain its war effort.
The Ukrainian leader also accused Moscow of interpreting the arrangement as a signal that it could continue military operations unabated, following fresh deadly attacks on the city of Zaporizhzhia.
In response to recent developments, Zelensky held consultations with international allies and called for stronger measures to protect Ukrainian lives and maintain European security.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also criticised the U.S.-Russia diesel agreement, warning that relaxing sanctions would strengthen Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
She disclosed that EU foreign ministers were expected to consider what she described as the bloc’s most extensive sanctions package against Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
The diesel agreement forms part of Trump’s broader efforts to ease fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections amid growing domestic concerns over inflation and energy costs.
