'Time for Ukraine to get a new president': Trump lashes out at Zelensky over Russian diesel deal row

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026.

President Donald Trump called for Zelensky to be replaced on Saturday after the Ukrainian leader denounced a US deal removing sanctions on Russian diesel exports as "absolutely terrible" and a gift to Putin. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world" by targeting Russian oil refineries, adding: "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal." Defence secretary Wes Streeting promptly rejected the Russian diesel deal and declared Britain's firm backing for Zelensky, arguing that only the Ukrainian people have the right to choose their own leader.

Trump said "he better damn well stop" hitting Russian oil infrastructure, and accused Zelensky of repeatedly passing up chances to negotiate peace.

Boris Johnson condemned the diesel deal as "sickening", warning it would force American drivers to "bankroll Putin's slaughter" — as Prime Minister Andy Burnham called Zelensky to reaffirm UK support and is due to meet him in person within the next few days.

Streeting suggested Trump struck the controversial energy agreement under pressure from looming US midterm elections, with diesel prices having soared since Trump launched the Iran war.