WASHINGTON, US — President Donald Trump on Saturday, October 10, 2026, called for a change of leadership in Ukraine, escalating his public criticism of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the prolonged war with Russia and the rising cost of diesel in the United States.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Ukraine needed a leader capable of reaching a peace agreement with Moscow.
“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal,” Trump said, adding that he believed it was time for Ukraine to elect a new president. <Cite refs={[“turn623640news11″,”turn623640search9”]}/>
Trump’s remarks followed a dispute over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and a new agreement between Washington and Moscow aimed at increasing diesel supplies to the US and international markets.
Trump Links Ukrainian Attacks To Fuel Prices
Trump accused Zelenskyy of contributing to the global fuel supply problem by continuing attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
The US president argued that strikes on Russian refineries were reducing diesel supplies and creating difficulties for American farmers, ranchers and other fuel-dependent businesses.
He said his administration had urged Ukraine to avoid targeting Russian diesel infrastructure, warning that the attacks could worsen shortages.
Trump has repeatedly linked Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries to rising fuel prices, arguing that reduced refining capacity in Russia has contributed to tighter supplies.
However, energy analysts have also identified wider geopolitical disruptions, particularly the war involving Iran, as significant factors behind the increase in US diesel prices.
Reuters reported on October 9 that the US national average diesel price had reached $6.28 per gallon, approximately 70 per cent higher than before the US-Israeli war with Iran began. <Cite refs={[“turn623640news14″,”turn623640news6”]}/>
Trump Announces Diesel Agreement With Putin
The latest dispute followed an agreement Trump announced after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
Under the arrangement, Russia would supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States and international markets, with further shipments expected in subsequent months.
Trump presented the agreement as an effort to increase fuel availability and ease pressure on American consumers and businesses.
The move has attracted criticism because Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted extensive Western sanctions designed to limit Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
The agreement has also raised questions about the relationship between Washington’s efforts to reduce fuel prices and its policy towards Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Condemns US-Russia Deal
Zelenskyy criticised the diesel agreement, arguing that allowing Russia to sell more petroleum products would provide Moscow with additional resources to sustain its military campaign.
The Ukrainian president described the decision as unfair to Kyiv and warned that additional Russian revenue could prolong the conflict.
He argued that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports should be tied to reciprocal measures to stop attacks on energy infrastructure in both countries.
Ukraine has defended its attacks on Russian oil refineries as part of its effort to weaken Moscow’s capacity to finance and sustain the invasion.
The disagreement has added to tensions between Washington and Kyiv as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue. <Cite refs={[“turn623640news12″,”turn623640news13”]}/>
War And Peace Negotiations Remain Unresolved
Trump has repeatedly criticised Zelenskyy over the pace of negotiations, maintaining that Ukraine should reach an agreement to end the conflict.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the war has continued despite several diplomatic initiatives.
Moscow and Kyiv remain divided over the conditions for a settlement, including territorial issues and security guarantees.
Trump’s latest remarks signal renewed pressure on the Ukrainian president as Washington attempts to address both the war and the economic consequences of disrupted global energy supplies.
However, the US president’s call for a new Ukrainian leader does not itself establish that Ukraine will hold an election or that Zelenskyy will leave office.
The political and diplomatic implications of the dispute are likely to depend on further negotiations among Washington, Kyiv and Moscow, as well as developments on the battlefield.
For now, the disagreement over diesel supplies has become another source of friction between the United States and Ukraine as both countries confront the continuing consequences of Russia’s invasion.
