Headline: Trump Calls for New Ukrainian President Following Zelensky's Criticism of Russian Diesel Deal

Date: 10 October 2026

Tags: World Politics, US Politics, Russia-Ukraine War, Energy

Summary:

- US President Donald Trump said Ukraine should replace President Volodymyr Zelensky following criticism of Washington's Russian diesel agreement.

- Trump accused Zelensky of obstructing peace negotiations and warned Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries.

- Zelensky condemned the agreement, arguing that Russian

-the agreement could provide Moscow with additional revenue to finance its war against Ukraine.

- The US has temporarily suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April under the agreement.

- Russia has agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and further shipments.

- Zelensky accused Russia of continuing attacks on Ukrainian cities, including recent deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia.

- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Zelensky called for an immediate energy ceasefire and an end to attacks on Black Sea shipping.

- EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas criticised the agreement, warning that easing sanctions could increase Russian military funding.

- European foreign ministers are expected to approve a major new package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.

- Ukrainian presidential elections remain suspended under martial law, which has been in place since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Why this matters: Trump's comments highlight growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Russian energy exports and Ukraine's military strategy. The disagreement also exposes differences between the US and European allies over maintaining economic pressure on Moscow.

What’s next: European foreign ministers are expected to consider additional sanctions against Russia on Monday, 12 October. Ukraine will continue discussions with international allies over military support and an energy ceasefire, while the US proceeds with its temporary relaxation of Russian diesel sanctions.