Trump tells Zelenskyy to ‘stop’ Russian refinery strikes, says Ukraine needs a ‘new leader’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Saturday, October 10, called for Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and demanded that Kyiv stop striking Russian oil refineries, blaming the attacks for worsening the global diesel shortage.

Trump accused Zelenskyy of repeatedly rejecting opportunities to end the ongoing war with Moscow, while the Ukrainian president warned that easing sanctions would provide Russia with additional funds to sustain its military campaign.

Trump made the remarks a day after announcing that Russia would supply diesel to international markets following a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump demands Zelenskyy stop Russian refinery attacks

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries were contributing to global fuel pressures and affecting American consumers.

“He better damn well stop,” Trump said, referring to the Ukrainian strikes. The president also criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly passing up multiple opportunities to reach a settlement.

“Zelenskyy could have settled this war many times. He chooses not to. It is a war that should have never been started. We said you can do whatever you want to, Russia, just do not hit the refineries, because that is a world problem that is caused," Trump said.

Trump added that Zelenskyy instead “goes and hits the diesel fuel,” claiming that the attacks had created a "world problem" that was also affecting "our farmers, our ranches, and he is not going to affect the rest of the world. So he’d better stop.”

Trump subsequently called for a change in Ukraine’s leadership, saying, “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal, because he could have made many deals that, for some reason, he never does.”

He also argued that Ukraine should hold an election, although the country has not held a presidential election since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Trump also said Putin wanted a settlement, stating that “Russia would like to make a deal... but for whatever reason, Zelenskyy does not want to make a deal,” and adding, “President Putin would like to see a settlement, strongly.”

Ukraine defends Zelenskyy after Trump calls for new leader

Zelenskyy has criticized the diesel arrangement since its announcement, describing it as a “weak decision” and warning that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports would help Moscow continue its military campaign against Kyiv.

“Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia,” Zelenskyy said. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian strikes killed civilians, including children, while power outages were also reported in Kyiv.

Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha publicly defended Zelenskyy following Trump’s call for new leadership.

“He has the support of the Ukrainian people, and they have the right to decide,” Sybiha said. “Statements from abroad only confirm that he is doing his job well. He deserves support.”

The Kremlin, meanwhile, welcomed Trump’s remarks. Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy on economic cooperation, described the call for new Ukrainian leadership as “historic,” writing that Trump had joined those who believed Ukraine needed leadership focused on peace.