In brief
President Donald Trump said the current Ukrainian leader is ‘making problems for the world’ and called for a new president. The comment came after Ukraine’s president criticized a U.S. diesel deal with Russia that will allow Moscow to raise war funds. European officials echoed Zelensky’s concerns, warning the sanctions relaxation supports Russia’s war machine. The story highlights the clash between U.S. domestic politics and international security commitments.
Time for Ukraine to Get New President, Trump Says
On Saturday after a briefing at the White House, President Donald Trump said the current Ukrainian president is making problems for the world and urged a leadership change to avoid further conflict. He linked the comment to a new U.S. diesel deal with Russia that would allow Moscow to raise funds for its war effort, a point Zelensky condemned.
Ukraine’s leader warned that the deal could fund new weapons and keep Russian bombs falling on cities. Trump referred to a suspension of sanctions that will lift restrictions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April, calling it a move to lower U.S. fuel prices ahead of mid‑term elections.
The European Commission’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas echoed Zelensky’s criticism, saying the easing of sanctions gives Russia more resources to wage war. Kallas announced that EU leaders will approve the biggest set of sanctions since the launch of the invasion on Monday.
Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on energy facilities, refineries, and logistics hubs, raising the stakes for global energy markets. The controversy highlights the tension between domestic politics and international security commitments in the U.S. and Europe.
Trump’s remarks received mixed reactions. Some Americans hope the move will curb Russian influence, while others worry it could destabilise the region further.
