Trump Calls for Leadership Change in Ukraine, Criticizes Zelensky

President Donald Trump urged the replacement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing a failure to seize opportunities to end the conflict with Russia. Accusations of ignoring warnings against attacking Russian oil facilities were also made.

I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president, Trump stated outside the White House. He suggested a leader capable of making deals, expressing dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s responses.

These remarks followed a Ukrainian strike on a Russian oil hub, coinciding with Trump’s diesel agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Republican lawmakers voiced concerns that this deal could bolster Russia’s war efforts. Trump’s stance reflects a significant deterioration in relations with Zelensky, who he argues hinders war-ending efforts.

Trump explained his warning to Zelensky against targeting Russian refineries, emphasizing the global impact of such actions. You can do whatever you want to Russia. Don’t hit these refineries because that’s a world problem, he said, highlighting the effects on global diesel supplies.

He stressed the economic repercussions of refinery attacks on American farmers, ranchers, and global consumers. And what does he do? He goes and hits the diesel fuel, Trump remarked, stressing the challenges posed by limited refinery capacities.

Newsweek reached out to both the White House and Zelensky’s office for comments.

Trump Criticizes Zelensky’s Leadership

Trump criticized Zelensky for not reaching a settlement with Putin despite several opportunities. He reiterated his view that the conflict would not have commenced under his previous presidency. If I were president, you wouldn’t have ever had that war, he declared, attributing the war to perceived incompetence.

This call for new leadership comes after past confrontations with Zelensky. Past incidents include a February 2025 clash where Trump accused Zelensky of disrespect and warned against provoking World War III. The aftermath saw a canceled minerals agreement and a strained relationship.

Despite a temporary improvement in relations, the current situation reflects ongoing tensions, further complicated by Trump’s recent remarks.

Trump and Putin’s Diesel Deal

Recently, Trump announced a diesel agreement with Putin, aimed at reducing fuel prices. However, a subsequent Ukrainian attack on a Russian oil hub contradicted Trump’s warnings against such actions.

The Ukrainian government insists that Russian infrastructure remains a valid target, arguing that oil revenue supports Moscow’s war efforts. Trump has firmly warned against further strikes, stating He’s not going to affect our farmers, and he’s not going to affect our ranchers, and he’s not going to affect the rest of the world.

Professor Margarita Balmaceda noted the deal’s potential benefits for Russia, not the U.S. She associated Russian sales tactics with potential geopolitical maneuvers, referencing historical strategies.

Trump-Putin Dynamics

Trump’s interactions with Putin have long faced scrutiny, dating back to alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. election. Despite tensions, Trump views his rapport with Putin as beneficial in negotiations.

Past meetings, like the 2018 Helsinki summit, highlighted Trump’s acceptance of Putin’s assurances over U.S. intelligence. Discussions have covered peace talks and trade, with personal remarks about First Lady Melania Trump.

In 2025, Trump and Putin met in Alaska, issuing a positive rating despite the lack of a ceasefire. Trump shifted the onus of reaching an agreement to Zelensky, whose absence from the summit highlighted ongoing tensions.

Future Implications

Trump refrained from detailing how Zelensky’s replacement should occur, noting Ukraine’s constitutional processes. His comments raise questions about U.S. support and its connection to Ukrainian military tactics. The future of the diesel agreement, especially amid ongoing refinery strikes, remains uncertain, leaving Trump’s directives under scrutiny.