Germany backs Zelensky and demands MORE pressure on Putin after Trump calls for Ukrainian leader's removal

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

Trump's demand that Ukraine replace Volodymyr Zelensky has prompted swift European opposition, with Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirming Berlin's backing for the Ukrainian president and calling for increased pressure on Russia to re-engage in peace negotiations. Trump issued the demand on Saturday after Zelensky ignored his request to stop targeting Russian oil refineries, telling reporters at the White House he had suggested Ukraine "get a new leader who can make a deal." British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also spoke directly with Zelensky, pledging to strengthen UK sanctions on Russia. Ukraine has brushed aside the demand, with elections suspended under the country's wartime martial law provisions.

Trump struck a deal last week easing US sanctions on Russian diesel exports, which Zelensky called "absolutely terrible" and a gift to Putin.

Wadephul declared 'we don't need less pressure, we need MORE pressure on Putin' as Germany vowed to maintain its own Russia sanctions regardless.

Trump's broadside is his most savage attack on Zelensky since their infamous Oval Office clash in February 2025, when he told the Ukrainian leader he 'did not hold the cards'.