On Saturday, President Donald Trump voiced his disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, questioning his capability to negotiate a settlement with Russia.
“I agree with you. I suggest they find a new leader who can actually strike a deal. Zelenskyy could have secured many deals but, for some reason, he hasn’t done so,” Trump mentioned to reporters, addressing the recent Russian drone strikes against Ukraine. (RELATED: Zelenskyy Criticizes Trump’s ‘Weak’ Oil Agreement with Putin, Trump Responds Briefly)
“If I were president, I can say you wouldn’t have been in that war,” Trump added. “You’ve lost about 30% of your land, and tragically, over a million lives have been lost. That’s a conflict that should have never begun, and frankly, Ukraine should consider a new president.”
.@POTUS on Ukraine: “You know what I suggest? I suggest they get a new leader who could make a deal because he could’ve made many deals and for some reason he never does… I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new President.” https://t.co/WoVG0HUazA
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 10, 2026
As of now, the White House and Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs haven’t responded to requests for comments from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“We told them, ‘You’re free to act however you want with Russia, but avoid hitting the refineries because that creates a global issue,’” Trump stated. “He’s making problems globally. He’s putting our farmers, our ranchers, in jeopardy by affecting diesel supply since Russia is a major global supplier.”
The average price for a barrel of diesel was $6.28 at the time of writing, a significant increase from $3.67 in 2025, according to AAA.
“We advised him, ‘Go ahead, but steer clear of diesel; there’s already a significant shortage,’” Trump reiterated. “Yet, what does he do? He strikes the diesel fuel.”
This discussion follows Trump’s arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, allowing Russia to export millions of barrels of diesel to international markets to help lower prices. Meanwhile, Ukraine has focused on targeting Russian oil storage to press for a good faith negotiation. (RELATED: Trump Announces Russia to Ship Millions of Tons of Diesel to Lower Prices)
“I’ve just wrapped up a very successful conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, in which it was agreed that Russia will promptly supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to both American and global markets, another 500,000 tons in November, and 1,000,000 tons shortly after that,” Trump announced in a Friday Truth Social post. “Based on their refinery conditions, they will also deliver, soon, an additional 3,000,000 tons of diesel fuel.”
“Thanks to our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz and this key announcement regarding Russian energy, diesel prices for Americans—and indeed the world—will DROP drastically and swiftly! Lower prices will be a priority especially for our farmers, ranchers, and truckers,” Trump remarked.
Zelenskyy responded on Saturday via a post on X, criticizing Trump’s deal.
“Every additional billion dollars they earn from exports will solely fund the sourcing and importing of vital components and equipment for weapon manufacturing, enhancing their drones, producing missiles, and recruiting more mercenaries for the front line,” Zelenskyy noted. “Russia has chosen war, and they will only consider ending it when they perceive their ability to continue is fading.”
What allowing Russia to sell oil products means was heard most clearly in Kyiv just now, when, after repeated attacks on energy facilities with jet-powered “shaheds,” Russia launched a ballistic missile attack as well. Some of the missiles were intercepted. This once again clearly demonstrates Russia’s true intentions. They count on prolonging the war, terrorizing ordinary people, and destroying infrastructure. Every additional billion dollars they can earn from exports will be spent on nothing but sourcing and importing critical components and equipment to manufacture weapons, upgrading “shaheds,” producing missiles, and recruiting even more mercenaries to fight at the front. Russia’s choice is war. And they will be ready to end it only when they feel that their ability to drag the war out is diminishing. Unfortunately, the signals Russia received yesterday were entirely different – signals suggesting that it could simply keep attacking. And this needs to be corrected. Strong signals are needed from the United States, Europe, and other partners – signals in support of Ukraine and to RESTRICT Russia’s ability to wage war and terrorize people. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 10, 2026
“Regrettably, the messages Russia received yesterday were completely different, indicating that they could just continue their attacks. This needs to change,” Zelenskyy added. “The United States, Europe, and other allies must send strong signals—signals that affirm support for Ukraine and limit Russia’s capacity to wage war and instill terror.”
Zelenskyy has held the presidency since May 2019. Due to Russia’s invasion, the 2023 parliamentary elections and the 2024 presidential elections in Ukraine were postponed after he declared martial law in February 2022.
