'Time for Ukraine to get new president,' says Trump after Zelensky condemns diesel deal

What the report says

US President Donald Trump has renewed criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Zelensky condemned a reported US-Russia diesel agreement. According to the article, Zelensky argued that the deal to allow millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the American market would help Moscow fund its war in Ukraine, describing it as effectively aiding President Vladimir Putin.

Trump responded outside the White House by saying Ukraine should have a new president and suggesting Zelensky was worsening tensions by backing attacks on Russian refineries. The report says Trump also urged Zelensky to stop those strikes and implied that Ukraine had missed opportunities to negotiate. The comments come as Ukraine remains under martial law, with elections suspended since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

The article says the US and Russia agreed to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April, with Trump later outlining phased shipments of diesel into the US and global market. It reports that Zelensky then raised the issue with allies, seeking stronger measures to protect Ukraine and European security.

The development has drawn criticism in Europe as well. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said easing pressure on Russia would increase Moscow’s resources for the war, while the article notes that European ministers planned to consider a new sanctions package. The story also places the dispute in the broader context of high global fuel prices and continued attacks on energy infrastructure by both sides.