Trump Tells Ukraine to "Get a New Leader" as Zelensky Slams US-Russia Diesel Deal

US President Donald Trump on Saturday, October 10, criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting Ukraine should replace its leadership as the two leaders clashed over a new energy agreement between Washington and Moscow.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump voiced frustration over Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries that Washington had urged Kyiv to avoid. "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal because he could have made many deals and for some reason, he never does," he said. Asked whether easing restrictions on Russian energy exports risked prolonging the war, he blamed Kyiv, saying Zelensky "could've settled this war many times" and "wants to make problems for the world."

The row follows Trump's Friday announcement of a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply global markets with Russian diesel, aimed at lowering domestic fuel costs ahead of the US midterm elections. US officials say Ukraine's persistent strikes on Russian refineries helped push Trump to negotiate directly with Moscow. Under the terms Trump posted on social media, Putin agreed during a phone call to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, with another 500,000 tons due in November. The combined 800,000 tons, about six million barrels, is roughly a day and a half of total US diesel consumption, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Trump added that further shipments would follow depending on the condition of Russian refineries.

Zelensky strongly criticised the accord, saying it undermines peace efforts and effectively finances Russia's war. He described it as "investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged" and "a weak decision of strong partners."

Former US officials and market analysts doubt the deal will have much impact. Russian diesel output has been badly strained by Ukrainian strikes, with Kyiv reporting hits on five refineries in the week before the announcement. Dan Pickering, founder and chief investment officer of Pickering Energy Partners, estimated a 5-6% increase in supply between now and year end. "This is helpful but not a needle mover for global diesel markets," he said, adding that Trump's use of tons rather than barrels makes the volumes look larger, and that "this is more politics than a game changer."

Russia banned domestic diesel exports in early July after widespread fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks, removing about 800,000 barrels per day from global circulation. After the talks, Kremlin readouts confirmed Putin's willingness to resume shipments. "I am confident that this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy," Putin said, according to the official summary.