Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Trump accused Zelensky of creating problems for the world by authorising attacks on Russian oil refineries.

“I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president,” Trump said, adding that Ukraine needed a leader capable of reaching a deal.

His remarks followed Zelensky's criticism of an agreement announced by Washington and Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, 2027.

Zelensky warned that the deal would provide Russia with additional revenue to finance its war against Ukraine, which began with the full-scale invasion in February 2022. He argued that Moscow could use the money to acquire military equipment and sustain its offensive.

The Ukrainian president also accused Russia of interpreting the agreement as permission to continue attacking Ukrainian cities following deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia.

Trump defended the deal, saying he had urged Ukraine not to target Russian refineries because attacks on energy infrastructure were contributing to a wider global problem.

“He could have made many deals, and for some reason, he never does,” Trump said, referring to Zelensky.

The agreement comes amid pressure on global energy supplies following the war against Iran launched by the US and Israel in February 2026. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supplies normally pass.

Under the agreement, Russia would initially release 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November. Further deliveries would depend partly on the condition of Russian diesel refineries.

The deal is part of Trump's efforts to lower fuel prices in the US ahead of midterm elections. The average price of diesel had risen to $6.28 per gallon, up from $3.68 a year earlier, according to the American Automobile Association.

The agreement has drawn criticism from European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, who said easing sanctions would give Moscow more revenue to finance the war.

“This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won't,” Kallas said, adding that European foreign ministers planned to approve a new package of sanctions against Russia.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also expressed solidarity with Zelensky during a telephone conversation on Saturday. The two leaders agreed that Russia should accept an immediate ceasefire covering energy infrastructure and end attacks on Black Sea shipping.

Trump previously called for new elections in Ukraine in December 2025. However, the country has remained under martial law since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, with elections suspended under wartime arrangements.