US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh debate by suggesting Ukraine needs a new leader. His comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized a new agreement allowing Russian diesel supplies to reach American markets. Trump believes the move could ease global fuel shortages while pushing both sides toward peace talks.
The deal suspends certain sanctions on Russian diesel exports until early April. Zelensky warned that the arrangement would give Moscow extra money to buy weapons and continue its attacks on Ukrainian cities. He described the agreement as a direct boost to Russian efforts in the ongoing conflict that began in 2022.
Trump told reporters that Zelensky should stop strikes on Russian energy sites. He said such actions create worldwide problems with fuel prices and supply chains. The US leader added that Ukraine needs someone ready to negotiate instead of creating more tension.
The situation is complicated by martial law in Ukraine, which has put elections on hold. Global oil routes remain under pressure after earlier clashes involving Iran that closed key shipping lanes. Both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up hits on each other’s energy facilities in recent weeks.
Trump confirmed the diesel agreement aims to bring more fuel into markets and lower costs for consumers. A Putin representative welcomed the statement, calling it a historic step toward peace-focused leadership in Ukraine. Allies including Britain have urged an immediate halt to energy attacks to free up supplies worldwide.