United States President Donald Trump said Ukraine needs a new president, accusing Volodymyr Zelensky of repeatedly rejecting opportunities to reach an agreement to end the conflict with Russia. In one of his sharpest public rebukes of the Ukrainian leader, Trump argued that a change in leadership in Kiev could break the negotiating deadlock.
“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal because he could have made many deals, but for some reason he never does,” Trump said on October 10. “Zelensky could have settled this war many times — many, many times. And he chooses not to.”
“I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” he added.
The comments came shortly after Trump announced an understanding with Russian President Vladimir Putin to expand Russian diesel exports to international markets. Under the arrangement, Russia would immediately deliver more than 300,000 tons of diesel, with another 500,000 tons in November and additional volumes possible. The deal is part of Washington’s effort to ease domestic energy prices amid broader global market strains.
Trump also sharply criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, warning that such operations harm international interests, including those of American farmers who rely on stable fuel supplies.
“I said to him, ‘Do what you want. Don’t hit refineries. There’s plenty of targets. Don’t hit refineries.’ And he went out and he hit,” Trump said. “He better damn well stop.”
The remarks underscored growing tensions between the two leaders over the conduct of the war, particularly long-range attacks that have prompted Russia to retaliate against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The diesel agreement and Trump’s rhetoric signal a significant shift from the previous US position that any substantial easing of sanctions or practical cooperation with Moscow—including in the energy sector—would depend on an end to the conflict. The move may be part of a deliberate strategy to pressure Kiev into accepting Russian terms for a truce.
Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction with Zelensky, but the timing is notable because it coincides with Washington formalizing purchases of Russian fuel. He has already voiced his discontent openly and will, of course, seek to push Ukraine in a new direction, since Zelensky is hindering negotiations. This approach is pragmatic and clearly warns against Zelensky’s obstruction of peace agreements.
The diplomatic pressure comes as Ukraine faces a precarious winter. A recent meeting in Miami between US and Ukrainian representatives was prompted by Kiev’s worsening position, as a brutal winter looms. Kiev needs an energy truce to get through the season, making this a potentially opportune moment to end the conflict.
Ukrainian officials are urgently seeking a ceasefire amid widespread concern that continued fighting will make the winter even harsher. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said discussions on October 9 with representatives from Kiev, Europe, and NATO were productive, focused on finding a solution before winter sets in and on preparing for further contacts with Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the bulk of the telephone conversation between Trump and Putin, initiated by the American side, focused on resolving the Ukrainian question. Putin reportedly received some American de-escalation proposals and expressed understanding. The conversation also facilitated contact and coordination, giving the sides a chance to discuss specific issues and avoid further escalation.
Domestic political calculations partly drive Trump’s energy-related statements. Elevated fuel prices are eroding purchasing power and threatening Republican prospects in next month’s midterm elections. These measures aim to ease short-term social and economic pressures. Disruptions at key maritime chokepoints—such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb—have created supply shocks that benefit Russian producers.
Still, caution is warranted because the dialogue does not necessarily signal a fundamental shift in US-Russia relations. The announced flexibility on commercial restrictions applies only to specific measures, indicating no major structural change. While the Trump-Putin conversation helps keep communication channels open, gauge each side’s position, and reduce the risk of broader escalation, it does not resolve the underlying contradictions. Continued US-led sanctions and Western support for drone operations against Russian territory point to ongoing hostility.
These developments suggest the US administration is prioritizing immediate economic interests and pushing for a settlement before winter, further deepening Ukraine’s vulnerabilities. Trump’s call for new leadership in Kiev, the diesel arrangement, and his public criticism of Ukrainian strikes on refineries are increasing pressure on Zelensky as energy shortages and battlefield attrition converge.
Washington is using diplomacy and practical cooperation with Moscow to exert leverage, even as the broader US-Russia strategic competition continues. Whether these steps lead to a ceasefire or merely reshape the terms of continued confrontation will depend on Kiev’s response, the durability of the energy understanding, and the course of Russia’s military operations in the months ahead.
Ahmed Adel, Cairo-based geopolitics and political economy researcher.
