United States President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to get a new president, accusing Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy of failing to secure a peace agreement to end the country’s war with Russia.
Trump made the remarks on Saturday, October 10, 2026, while speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Tennessee.
“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.
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The US president’s comments came amid renewed tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Ukraine’s military strikes on Russian oil refineries and a controversial agreement involving Russian diesel supplies.
Trump Blames Zelenskyy for Failure to End War
Trump criticised Zelenskyy over the prolonged conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
He argued that the Ukrainian president had missed several opportunities to negotiate an agreement with Moscow and claimed that the war could have been avoided.
Trump also said Ukraine had lost a significant portion of its territory during the conflict, using the country’s losses to support his argument that a change in leadership was necessary.
“I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” he said.
The US president further argued that, had he been in office in 2022, the war would not have started.
However, Trump’s remarks reflect his position on the conflict and do not establish that Zelenskyy alone is responsible for the failure to reach a peace agreement.
Disagreement Over Russian Diesel Supplies
The latest dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy follows an agreement announced by the US president involving diesel supplies from Russia.
Trump said the arrangement was intended to help address rising fuel prices in the United States, particularly the pressure on farmers and other businesses that depend heavily on diesel.
He also criticised Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes were worsening fuel supply pressures.
Zelenskyy, however, warned that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could increase Moscow’s revenue and provide additional resources for its military campaign against Ukraine.
The disagreement has added to tensions between the two leaders over how to end the war and the extent to which economic considerations should influence Western policy towards Russia.
Ukraine Defends Zelenskyy’s Leadership
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy following Trump’s remarks, saying the Ukrainian president had the support of his people and that Ukrainians had the right to decide who leads their country.
Sybiha also argued that statements from foreign leaders should not determine Ukraine’s political future.
The exchange highlights continuing disagreements between Washington and Kyiv over military strategy, sanctions against Russia and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, with diplomatic efforts to end the conflict facing significant challenges.
Source: AP
