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

What the report says

US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to “get a new president” after Volodymyr Zelensky criticised a new US deal involving Russian diesel exports. Zelensky argued that easing sanctions on Russian diesel would help Moscow generate money to keep funding its war against Ukraine. Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters as he left the White House, where he also repeated his view that Ukraine should stop striking Russian oil refineries.

According to the BBC report, Trump said Russia and Ukraine have recently stepped up attacks on infrastructure and logistics sites, and he suggested Ukraine should pursue negotiations rather than continued military action. He confirmed a deal had been reached to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April. The article says the arrangement is part of Trump’s broader effort to reduce fuel prices in the United States.

Zelensky responded that the sanctions easing would allow Russia to raise more funds for military equipment and continue attacks, including after fresh strikes on Zaporizhzhia. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also criticised the move, saying it would increase Moscow’s revenues and that Europe planned to maintain pressure on Russia. The BBC notes EU foreign ministers were expected to approve a major new sanctions package on Monday. The report frames the dispute as part of the wider economic and political fallout from the war.