Trump to Ukraine: Time for a New President

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Ukraine should replace its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. His comment came after Zelensky criticized Trump's diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said, "I think it's time for Ukraine to have a new president." He added that Ukraine should "find a new leader who can make a deal." The dispute centers on a new agreement between Trump and Putin. Under the deal, Russia will supply millions of tons of diesel fuel to US and world markets. The goal is to lower fuel prices before the US midterm elections on November 3. Trump said he told Zelensky, "You can do what you want with Russia, but don't attack the refineries." He explained that the attacks cause global problems because Russia supplies a large share of the world's diesel fuel. Zelensky criticized the deal on Friday. He called it "unfair" and "unworthy of an ally." The agreement allows Russia to export diesel despite sanctions imposed by Washington after the war in Ukraine began in 2022. Trump also blamed Ukraine's leadership for the war. "It never should have started. They would not have lost 30% of their country," he said. A Russian official welcomed Trump's call for a change in Ukraine's leadership. Kiril Dmitriev, Russia's envoy for economic cooperation with the US, wrote on X that Trump "joins those who believe Ukraine needs a leadership truly focused on peace, not Zelensky's warmongering." The tensions come after Ukraine attacked a Russian oil terminal in the southern Rostov region overnight. According to Russian authorities, the attack caused a fire at the Yug Rus oil terminal and damaged a railway bridge. Six people were injured. Two ships were also attacked in the Sea of Azov, with no reported casualties. The attack happened just hours after Trump and Putin agreed by phone that Russia would supply oil and fuel to US and global markets. Trump said on Truth Social that Russia would send over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, another 500,000 tons in November, and 1 million tons shortly after. Russia may later deliver up to 3 million more tons, depending on the state of its refineries. The deal comes as the White House and Republican Party worry about polls ahead of the midterm elections. Democrats currently lead by about seven points, largely due to public anger over high gasoline prices and the cost of living. Russia has faced fuel shortages in recent months because of Ukrainian attacks on its refineries. This led to long lines at gas stations. Trump has repeatedly asked Zelensky to stop these attacks, saying they affect global diesel prices.