Trump urges Ukraine to seek new leadership and avoid striking Russian refineries
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President Donald Trump said Ukraine needs a leader capable of making peace and cautioned Kyiv not to target Russian oil refineries after a U.S.-Russia diesel sanctions deal prompted complaints from Ukrainian officials.
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday that Ukraine should consider a new president who could secure a peace agreement with Russia, saying Zelenskyy "never does" and that the war "should have never started." He added that the conflict has caused massive loss of life and territory, and suggested that a leadership change could help bring the fighting to an end.
Trump also warned Kyiv against attacking Russian oil refineries, stating he had told Zelenskyy to "do what you want" against Russia but "don't hit refineries," and urging the Ukrainian leader to stop such strikes. The message underscored his view that escalation through refinery attacks is not the path to peace.
The remarks came after the United States reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a move that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials. Zelenskyy responded on social media, linking the sanctions relief to recent Russian attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region. Kremlin spokesperson Kirill Dimitriev posted on X that the president’s comments align with those who believe Ukraine needs leadership focused on peace rather than "warmongering." Independent analysts estimate that Russian forces control about 20% of Ukrainian territory, while casualty figures remain uncertain.