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| FILE PHOTO: Rescue workers search a damaged residential building in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, following Russian strikes on October 10, as tensions grow over a US-Russia diesel agreement. |
Trump Calls for New Ukrainian Leader Amid Dispute Over Russian Diesel Deal
WASHINGTON — October 10, 2026
US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, escalating tensions between Washington and Kyiv over a deal involving Russian diesel exports and Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities. The dispute comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue and Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities cause further civilian casualties.
Trump made the remarks at the White House on Saturday, criticizing Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries and arguing that they threaten global diesel supplies. He said Ukraine should have a different leader who could reach an agreement to end the war, which has continued for more than four years.
The comments followed Trump’s announcement on Friday of a diesel supply arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskiy criticized the move, saying that easing sanctions on Russian fuel exports could encourage Moscow to continue its military campaign rather than pursue meaningful peace negotiations.
A Russian attack on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Saturday killed 20 people, including three children, according to the information available in the report. One strike destroyed part of an apartment building, leaving rescuers searching through the wreckage. The attack added to a series of deadly Russian strikes across Ukraine during the week.
Zelenskiy directly linked the easing of pressure on Russian diesel exports to the continued attacks. He argued that Moscow could interpret the sanctions decision as a sign that it could continue its assault on Ukrainian cities without facing stronger consequences. Kyiv has called on Washington to increase pressure on Russia to secure serious negotiations.
The Russian government said on Saturday that it had partially lifted restrictions on diesel exports. However, analysts questioned whether the arrangement would significantly reduce fuel prices for an extended period, noting that Russian export volumes remained well below normal levels while attacks on refineries continued.
The dispute also has domestic political implications for Trump. Rising diesel prices, which the report links partly to the war involving Iran that began in February, have become a concern for his Republican Party ahead of US midterm elections scheduled for November. Trump has argued that Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries could worsen fuel supply pressures affecting American farmers and ranchers.
The agreement has also drawn criticism from US lawmakers. Republican Representative Don Bacon called for stronger sanctions against Russia rather than easing existing restrictions. The disagreement highlights divisions in Washington over how to balance energy supply concerns with efforts to pressure Moscow over the war.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Zelenskiy on Saturday and said the United Kingdom would strengthen its sanctions against Russia, according to a spokesperson for the British government. The two leaders were also expected to meet in person in the coming days.
The latest attacks came as Ukrainian and European officials held discussions with US negotiators in Miami on Friday to develop a joint proposal for ending the war. Zelenskiy said Trump's diesel announcement had taken Kyiv by surprise because it came while diplomatic discussions were still under way.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said after speaking with Trump on Friday that an immediate return to peace talks was unlikely, citing Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow. Russian state news agency TASS also reported that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner could visit Moscow within the next two weeks, although the visit had not been confirmed in the information available.
Trump, meanwhile, demanded that Ukraine stop striking Russian energy infrastructure, saying Kyiv should focus on other targets. His call for a change in Ukraine's leadership adds another obstacle to already difficult relations between the two governments as negotiations over a possible end to the war remain uncertain
