US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to “get a new president”, saying Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly failed to reach a deal to end the war with Russia.
“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,” Trump said on Saturday, criticising the Ukrainian leader.
“I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president,” he added.
Trump argued that the Russia-Ukraine war could have been avoided. “If I were president, you wouldn't have ever had that war. That war would have never started,” he said.
The US president also accused Zelenskyy of missing multiple opportunities to end the conflict.
“Zelenskyy could have settled this war many times, many, many times, and he chooses not to,” Trump said, describing the situation as “very difficult.”
Criticising attacks on Russian refineries
Trump also criticised Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, arguing that attacks on refineries could worsen global fuel shortages and affect American farmers and ranchers.
“We told them, do whatever you want, but don't hit the diesel fuel because there's a big problem. Big shortage,” he said.
Lashing out at Zelenskyy for strikes on Russian oil refineries that have contributed to pre-election high diesel prices.
"He better damn well stop," Trump said.
Trump’s remarks came a day after he agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow would supply diesel to the US and global markets to help lower fuel prices, prompting a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian fuel.
Zelenskyy condemned the agreement as a “weak decision” and “an investment in a war that must be ended.”
