Watch: 'Time for Ukraine to get a new president', says Trump

October 10, 2026

US President Donald Trump has publicly called for Ukraine to replace its current leader, President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing criticism over Ukraine's military strategy of targeting Russian oil refineries. Trump made these remarks to reporters while announcing a newly brokered agreement with Moscow to import Russian diesel fuel into the United States. Zelensky responded by characterizing this diesel deal as a "gift" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the growing rift between the two leaders.

Who is affected

President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian government
US President Donald Trump and his administration
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow
Ukraine as a nation
The United States

What action is being taken

Trump is criticizing President Zelensky for striking Russian oil refineries
The US is importing Russian diesel under a deal Trump announced with Moscow

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a significant deterioration in US-Ukraine relations at a critical time during the ongoing war. Trump's public call for regime change in an allied democracy, combined with his deal to import Russian energy, signals a major shift in American foreign policy that could undermine Ukrainian sovereignty and potentially strengthen Russia's position in the conflict.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC