Ukraine needs a 'new President', says Trump amid Zelenskyy's criticisms over Russian diesel deal

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump accused Zelenskyy of wanting to “make problems for the world” by continuing to authorise attacks on Russian oil refineries, the BBC reported.

“He'd better damn well stop,” Trump said, before suggesting that Ukraine should “get a new leader who can make a deal”.

Trump's remarks came amid escalating attacks between Russia and Ukraine, as tensions mounted over the reported easing of restrictions on Russian energy exports.

Trump announces Russian diesel supply deal

Meanwhile, Trump announced an arrangement involving the supply of Russian diesel fuel to the United States and the global market.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had held a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that an agreement had been reached for Russia to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel immediately, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and a further one million tonnes thereafter.

“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump wrote.

He added that Russia would supply another three million tonnes of diesel fuel within a short period, depending on the condition of its diesel refineries.

Trump linked the arrangement to his administration's efforts to bring down fuel prices in the United States and globally, saying lower prices would particularly benefit American farmers, ranchers and truckers.

“Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” he said.

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of prolonging war

Reacting to the reported development, Zelenskyy criticised the prospect of Russia earning additional revenue from energy exports, arguing that the money would help Moscow sustain its military campaign.

In a post on X, he said Russia had launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv following repeated strikes on energy facilities using jet-powered Shahed drones. He added that some of the missiles had been intercepted.

“This once again clearly demonstrates Russia’s true intentions. They count on prolonging the war, terrorizing ordinary people, and destroying infrastructure,” Zelenskyy wrote.

He further argued that every additional billion dollars Russia earned from exports would be spent on procuring critical components and equipment to manufacture weapons, upgrading Shahed drones, producing missiles and recruiting more mercenaries to fight on the front lines.

“Russia’s choice is war. And they will be ready to end it only when they feel that their ability to drag the war out is diminishing,” he added.

Russian strikes kill 12 in Zaporizhzhia

Meanwhile, at least 12 people, including three children, were killed after Russia struck the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia with five glide bombs on Saturday, Zelenskyy said.

In a statement posted on X, the Ukrainian president criticised the reported easing of restrictions on Russian diesel exports, linking the development to the latest strikes.

“Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia. As of now, sadly, twelve people have been confirmed killed, including three children,” he wrote.

Zelenskyy said 14 people had been injured, including two who were in critical condition. He added that authorities were still verifying the status of 12 other people who might have been at the affected locations.

Emergency services were deployed to the scene, with search-and-rescue operations underway, he said.

The Ukrainian president also reported that 13 regions across the country had come under attack overnight, causing damage to residential buildings, infrastructure and railway facilities.