In brief
US President Donald Trump said Ukraine needs a new leader after President Zelensky shocked him over the country's diesel deal with Russia. Trump criticized Zelensky’s push on Russian refineries and called for decisive change. The deal could give Russia money for new war equipment, Zelensky warned. European leaders echo concerns and expect tougher sanctions next week. The debate highlights the link between fuel prices, mid‑term politics, and the ongoing conflict.
Trump calls for a new Ukrainian president after Zelensky criticised a diesel deal with Russia.
The ex‑president said Zelensky’s push to arm Russian refineries was dangerous and that Ukraine needed fresh leadership to negotiate deals.
A Russia‑Ukraine agreement to lift US sanctions on diesel until April 7 could raise Moscow’s war‑budget, Zelensky warned, while the EU’s foreign council echoed his concerns.
Trump’s comments come as the US faces higher fuel prices and inflation pressures. He hopes the deal will help curb rising gas costs before the mid‑term elections.
The debate highlights how energy diplomacy and domestic politics intersect amid an ongoing war. European leaders plan the biggest sanctions package since the invasion’s start to counter Russia’s funding.">
