Trump pushes Ukraine to replace president as he blames Zelenskyy for U.S. diesel prices

President Donald Trump announced a major diesel purchase from Russia on Friday and immediately called for Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The proposal drew swift condemnation from Kyiv and European capitals, who warned the transaction will directly fund Moscow's military operations.

Under the agreement, Russia will supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons thereafter. Trump stated the purchase aims to lower domestic fuel costs ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. He has repeatedly urged Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian energy sites and blamed Ukraine for the current spike in American diesel prices. "He wants to make problems for the world. He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers, with diesel fuel," Trump said.

Ukrainian and European officials rejected the arrangement, emphasizing that energy exports sustain Russia's defense budget. Sweden, Germany, and Poland all reaffirmed their backing of existing restrictions on Moscow. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski questioned whether Russia actually has the fuel to export, citing domestic shortages in Moscow and reports that Ukrainian forces have damaged roughly half of Russia's refining capacity. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted the deal conflicts with the European Union's upcoming sanctions expansion, which will target 1,600 entities linked to Russia's military industry.

The diplomatic clash unfolded as Russian forces continued their aerial campaign. At least 20 people died and 18 were injured when glide bombs struck residential buildings in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday. Three of the victims were children. Zelenskyy condemned the timing, writing on X that Russia rewarded the lifting of diesel restrictions with fresh attacks on civilians. He said the extra revenue will finance weapons production and mercenary recruitment, and he has contacted French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen national air defenses.

The announcement followed a Friday meeting in Miami between Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Ukrainian representatives. A senior Ukrainian official confirmed that Kyiv learned of the diesel deal only after it was made public and stated the agreement was separate from the Florida negotiations. The delegation has since returned to Ukraine. In Kyiv, residents gathered at a memorial on Independence Square expressed frustration over the administration's shift in policy. "Trump has once again shown his true face," said Oleksandr Petrenko, 26. The move marks a sharp reversal from a sweeping sanctions law Trump signed last month to cut off Russian energy revenue.