Zelenskyy Rejects Trump’s Call for New Ukrainian President Amid U.S. Sanctions Debate
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a cease-fire on energy infrastructure and a fair election process are needed, after President Donald Trump suggested lifting Russian diesel sanctions and urged a change in Ukraine’s leadership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told ABC’s “This Week” that Ukraine remains focused on defending its sovereignty while seeking a cease-fire on energy targets and a credible electoral process. He said the proposed U.S. deal to purchase Russian diesel would fund Russia’s war effort and called it a “birthday gift to Putin.”
"We are defending our sovereignty. It’s our right. Don’t stop us," Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is ready for a cease-fire on energy infrastructure and urged the United States to signal Russia to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy sites. He emphasized that any decision on Ukraine’s leadership must be made by Ukrainians through a secure, constitutional election.
President Donald Trump announced a plan to lift sanctions on Russian diesel and expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a proposed oil deal. He also said it was time for Ukraine to have a new president.
"I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump said.
The White House’s proposal has drawn criticism from analysts who say it would have minimal impact on U.S. diesel prices while providing billions of dollars to Russia’s war machine. Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer defended the president’s approach, saying it reflects “thinking outside the box” to help American consumers.
"Our president is trying to find every answer possible to help the American people," Emmer said.
Polls cited by the program show a sharp decline in President Trump’s approval, with only about 30 % of Americans approving his job performance and a majority disapproving across demographic groups.
The segment also covered the Kansas Senate race, where Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton, a former Republican, is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall. Hamilton argues that high diesel and fertilizer costs are hurting farmers and that voters need a senator who will stand up to the president’s agenda.
"People who have been strong supporters of Trump are paying the price for decisions made in Washington," Hamilton said.
The interview concluded with Zelenskyy reiterating Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. and European support to end the war and protect its independence.