Trump says Ukraine needs a new leader after diesel deal with Russia

Donald Trump has called for new leadership in Ukraine, blaming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the ongoing war and rising US diesel prices. This follows a controversial agreement between Trump and Vladimir Putin to purchase Russian diesel, a deal intended to lower fuel costs ahead of the US midterm elections. Zelenskyy has denounced the move as a gift to Russia that provides funding for the war effort, warning that easing sanctions will only encourage further aggression. Hours after the announcement, Russian strikes in Zaporizhzhia killed 20 people, an act Zelenskyy described as a direct consequence of the deal. While the Kremlin praised the discussions with Trump as friendly and substantive, European leaders expressed deep concern and reaffirmed their commitment to sanctions against Moscow. Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, emphasized that Europe will not follow the US in easing economic pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, diplomatic friction persists as reports emerge that US officials have pressured Kyiv to cease attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Despite the strain in US-Ukraine relations, other Western leaders, including the British prime minister, have pledged their continued solidarity with Zelenskyy. As the situation escalates, the diesel agreement complicates the geopolitical landscape and creates a divide between Washington and its European allies.