Britain backs Zelenskyy amid Trump's call for new Ukrainian leader

British officials have firmly backed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and rejected calls for his removal following Donald Trump's announcement of a Russian diesel purchase deal. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that Ukrainians alone must choose their leadership.

Speaking on the BBC, Streeting made his position clear. "We are in no doubt that the aggressor here was Vladimir Putin. He is the person who chose to start this war. He is the person who could end this war tomorrow, and he chooses not to. So, we stand with Ukraine. We stand with President Zelenskyy."

Trump's demand for a new Ukrainian leader comes alongside his agreement to buy Russian diesel. The move arrives as fuel prices surge ahead of next month's midterm elections. Soaring costs are straining voters, particularly in key agricultural states where farmers rely on diesel for heavy machinery and transport.

Zelenskyy condemned the energy deal as a direct gift to Moscow. He warned that increased Russian energy revenues will directly finance the war effort against Ukraine. Streeting acknowledged the political reality facing Washington, noting that leaders everywhere feel pressure to lower energy costs before elections.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham called Zelenskyy on Saturday to reaffirm British solidarity. The two leaders agreed to meet in person in the coming days. Burnham pledged to strengthen sanctions against Russia and called for an immediate energy ceasefire.

Military experts warn the diesel agreement will have deadly consequences. General Sir Richard Barrons cautioned that the revenue will fund Russian weapons, specifically noting the missiles and drones that it fires at Ukraine. He confirmed the deal would inevitably lead to more Ukrainian casualties.

In a separate development, Streeting addressed a recent attack on King Khalid international airport in Riyadh. The strike killed 12 people and injured more than 300 others. Britain is not currently planning offensive operations against the Houthis but continues to provide air-to-air refuelling and ground-based air defence support to Saudi Arabia.