US President Donald Trump has called for new leadership in Ukraine and demanded an immediate end to Ukrainian military strikes on Russian oil refineries, marking a sharp escalation in political tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, President Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s military strategy and accused him of repeatedly missing opportunities to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict.
“He better damn well stop,” Trump said regarding Ukraine’s drone and missile strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure. “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal.”
Friction Over US-Russia Energy Deal
The diplomatic fallout follows a newly announced bilateral arrangement between Washington and Moscow, under which Russia will supply diesel fuel to international markets to help stabilize global energy prices.
President Zelenskyy voiced strong opposition to the deal, warning that easing economic pressure on Moscow would directly finance Russia’s war effort and prolong the fighting. Zelenskyy argued that granting sanctions relief sends “the wrong signal” to Moscow at a time when Russian forces continue heavy bombardments across Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian foreign policy officials quickly defended President Zelenskyy following Trump’s remarks, stating that Zelenskyy retains the overwhelming trust of the Ukrainian public and continues to perform his duties effectively under wartime conditions.
Escalating Aerial Conflict
The sharp diplomatic exchange comes against the backdrop of intensified long-range strikes from both sides. Over the weekend, barrage attacks and drone strikes hit targets in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, leaving dozens wounded as rescue teams worked to clear damaged residential structures.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military officials maintain that targeting Russian oil refineries is a critical defensive counter-measure aimed at disrupting fuel supply lines for Russia’s military vehicles on the front line.
