‘Ukraine Needs a New President’: Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy

Darwin, October 11: US President Donald Trump has called for a new presidential election in Ukraine, suggesting that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has failed to seize opportunities to end the war with Russia. Trump also criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, claiming they have driven up global energy prices. Al Jazeera reported the remarks.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Saturday, October 10, local time, Trump said, “I think it’s time for Ukraine to have a new president.”

Criticizing Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, Trump said, “He wants to create a problem for our farmers and ranchers with diesel fuel, because Russia supplies a large portion of the world’s diesel.”

Tensions between the United States and Ukraine have escalated following the announcement of a diesel supply agreement with Russia. On Friday, Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to purchase diesel, saying the move was aimed at bringing down high global energy prices.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy. In a post on social media platform X, he wrote, “Zelenskyy has the support of the Ukrainian people, and it is they who have the right to make decisions.”

Sybiha added, “Statements coming from abroad are proof that he is doing his job well. He deserves support.”

For several weeks, Trump has been pressuring Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure. His position became more explicit on Friday with the announcement of the diesel supply agreement with Russia.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Washington has worked for years to increase pressure on Moscow. Against this backdrop, the decision to purchase diesel from Russia is being viewed as a major shift in US policy.

Meanwhile, global energy prices have risen significantly since the United States and Israel began their war involving Iran. With the US midterm elections scheduled for next month, high energy prices have created political pressure for Trump’s Republican Party. The opposition Democrats could gain control of one or both chambers of Congress.

Trump, however, is attempting to blame Ukrainian attacks rather than the war involving Iran for record-high diesel prices in the United States.

Source: Al Jazeera