'Time for Ukraine to get new president,' says Trump after Zelensky condemns diesel deal

October 11, 2026

President Trump stated that Ukraine should replace President Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader criticized a new US-Russia diesel deal. The agreement suspends sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, with Russia committing to release millions of tonnes of diesel to address fuel shortages caused by the US-Israel war against Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Zelensky condemned the deal, arguing it provides Russia with revenue to continue its military operations against Ukraine, while Trump accused the Ukrainian president of prolonging conflict by authorizing attacks on Russian refineries.

Who is affected

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine
President Donald Trump and the United States
President Vladimir Putin and Russia
American consumers facing high fuel prices
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and European Union members
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev

What action is being taken

The US is suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7
Russia is releasing diesel in stages: 300,000 tonnes initially, 500,000 tonnes in November, followed by 1 million and then 3 million tonnes
Zelensky is speaking with allies to discuss the latest developments
European foreign ministers are preparing to approve major sanctions on Russia on Monday

Why it matters

This deal represents a significant shift in US policy toward Russia during an ongoing war, prioritizing domestic fuel price relief over support for Ukraine. The decision creates tension between the US and its European allies, potentially fracturing Western unity against Russian aggression. With diesel prices having nearly doubled from the previous year due to the Iran conflict, Trump faces intense political pressure ahead of midterm elections, making this a critical test of whether economic concerns will override geopolitical commitments to Ukraine.

What's next

Russia will deliver an additional 500,000 tonnes of diesel in November
A further 1 million tonnes will follow, then 3 million tonnes based on refinery conditions
European foreign ministers intend to approve the biggest set of sanctions on Russia since the invasion began on Monday
The diesel deal suspension expires on April 7

Read full article from source: BBC