From Newsweek · · 1m 40s
Trump demands Ukraine replace leader after Putin diesel deal
Trump says Ukraine needs new president after warning against Russian oil strikes.
In brief
Trump says Ukraine needs new president after warning against Russian oil strikes. Trump called for Ukraine's president to be replaced after accusing him of attacking Russian oil infrastructure despite U.S. warnings. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Trump calls for Ukraine's new leader
Trump said Ukraine needs a new president after accusing Zelensky of repeatedly rejecting opportunities to end the war with Russia.
“I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president”
Trump warns against Russian oil strikes
Trump told reporters he warned Zelensky not to attack Russian refineries because of global diesel supply risks.
“Don’t hit these refineries because that’s a world problem”
Ukraine strikes Russian oil hub
Ukraine attacked a major Russian oil hub hours after Trump reached a diesel deal with Putin.
“The attack appeared to defy Trump’s warning to leave Russian refineries alone”
Trump's diesel deal with Putin
Trump reached a diesel agreement with Putin to reduce global fuel prices, but Ukraine struck Russian oil infrastructure.
“We said you can do whatever you want to Russia. Don’t hit these refineries”
Trump blames Zelensky for war
Trump accused Zelensky of failing to reach a deal with Putin and said he could have ended the war many times.
“Zelensky could have settled this war many times, many, many times, and he chooses not to”
Trump's warning to Zelensky
Trump said Zelensky attacked Russian refineries despite being told not to, claiming it harms U.S. farmers and global consumers.
“He goes and hits the diesel fuel”
Ukraine's justification for strikes
Ukraine claims Russian energy infrastructure is a legitimate target because it supports Moscow’s war effort.
“Russian energy infrastructure is a legitimate target because oil revenue and fuel supplies support Moscow’s war effort”
Trump's relationship with Putin
Trump has a history of working with Putin, including a 2025 Alaska summit where they rated their relationship '10 out of 10'.
“Trump rated it '10 out of 10' because he and Putin had gotten along well”
Ukraine's attack on oil hub
Ukraine struck a major Russian oil hub, defying Trump’s warning to avoid Russian refineries.
“The attack appeared to defy Trump’s warning to leave Russian refineries alone”
What happens next
Trump did not specify how Ukraine should replace Zelensky, and questions remain about U.S. support for Ukraine’s attacks on Russian infrastructure.
“Trump did not specify how he believed Ukraine should replace Zelensky”
What it means
Trump called for Ukraine's president to be replaced after accusing him of attacking Russian oil infrastructure despite U.S. warnings.
