Trump says Ukraine should get a new leader as he spars with Zelensky over US-Russia diesel deal

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By Linda Ikeji 10 October 2026, 10:42 pm 0 comments

US President Donald Trump on Saturday, October 10 criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the two leaders clashed over a new energy agreement between the United States and Russia, suggesting that Ukraine should replace its leadership.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed frustration with Zelensky following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries that Washington had urged Kyiv to avoid.

"You know what I suggest? 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," Trump said.

The public dispute follows Trump's Friday announcement of an agreement reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply global energy markets with Russian diesel fuel in an effort to reduce domestic fuel costs ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

According to U.S. officials, persistent Ukrainian strikes on Russian refinery infrastructure contributed to Trump's decision to negotiate the deal directly with Moscow.

Zelensky strongly criticized the accord, characterising the agreement as a setback to peace efforts that financializes Russia's military campaign.

"Investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged," Zelensky said, describing the move as "a weak decision of strong partners."

Under the terms posted by Trump on social media, Putin agreed during a phone call to immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to global markets, with an additional 500,000 tons slated for November delivery. The combined 800,000 tons, equivalent to approximately six million barrels—represents roughly one and a half days of total U.S. diesel consumption, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Trump noted that additional shipments of millions of tons of Russian diesel would follow based on the operational condition of Russian refineries.

When asked by reporters whether easing restrictions on Russian energy exports risks prolonging the armed conflict, Trump placed responsibility for the continued fighting on the Ukrainian administration.

"Zelensky could’ve settled this war many times … and he chooses not to," Trump remarked, adding that the Ukrainian leader "wants to make problems for the world."

Former U.S. officials and market analysts expressed skepticism regarding the impact of the agreement, pointing out that Russian diesel production has faced severe strain due to recent Ukrainian strikes. Kyiv reported hitting five Russian refineries in the week leading up to the announcement.

Energy analysts further noted that the volumes involved represent a minor shift in overall global supplies."We are talking perhaps a 5%-6% increase in supply between now and year end," said Dan Pickering, founder and chief investment officer at Pickering Energy Partners.

"Bottom line — this is helpful but not a needle mover for global diesel markets. Side note — there is a reason Trump talked about volumes in tons instead of barrels. The tons number looks bigger to a general observer. This is more politics than a game changer."

Russia had previously instituted a formal ban on domestic diesel exports in early July following widespread fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks, withdrawing approximately 800,000 barrels per day from global circulation.

Following the bilateral discussions, Kremlin readouts confirmed Putin's willingness to resume energy shipments to international markets.

"I am confident that this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy," Putin stated according to the official Kremlin summary.