Sunday, October 11, 2026 -President Donald Trump on Saturday, October 10 criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the two leaders clashed over a new energy agreement between the United States and Russia, suggesting that Ukraine should replace its leadership.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed
frustration with Zelensky following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on
Russian oil refineries that Washington had urged Kyiv to avoid.
"You know what I suggest? I suggest they get a new
leader who can make a deal because he could have made many deals and for some
reason, he never does," Trump said.
The public dispute follows Trump's Friday announcement of an
agreement reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply global energy
markets with Russian diesel fuel in an effort to reduce domestic fuel costs
ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
According to U.S. officials, persistent Ukrainian strikes on
Russian refinery infrastructure contributed to Trump's decision to negotiate
the deal directly with Moscow.
Zelensky strongly criticized the accord, characterising the
agreement as a setback to peace efforts that financializes Russia's military
campaign
"Investment in a war that must be ended, not
prolonged," Zelensky said, describing the move as "a weak decision of
strong partners."
Under the terms posted by Trump on social media, Putin
agreed during a phone call to immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to
global markets, with an additional 500,000 tons slated for November delivery.
The combined 800,000 tons, equivalent to approximately six million
barrels—represents roughly one and a half days of total U.S. diesel
consumption, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Trump noted that additional shipments of millions of tons of
Russian diesel would follow based on the operational condition of Russian
refineries.
When asked by reporters whether easing restrictions on
Russian energy exports risks prolonging the armed conflict, Trump placed
responsibility for the continued fighting on the Ukrainian administration.
"Zelensky could’ve settled this war many times … and he
chooses not to," Trump remarked, adding that the Ukrainian leader
"wants to make problems for the world."
Former U.S. officials and market analysts expressed
skepticism regarding the impact of the agreement, pointing out that Russian
diesel production has faced severe strain due to recent Ukrainian strikes. Kyiv
reported hitting five Russian refineries in the week leading up to the
announcement.
Energy analysts further noted that the volumes involved
represent a minor shift in overall global supplies."We are talking perhaps
a 5%-6% increase in supply between now and year end," said Dan Pickering,
founder and chief investment officer at Pickering Energy Partners.
"Bottom line — this is helpful but not a needle mover
for global diesel markets. Side note — there is a reason Trump talked about
volumes in tons instead of barrels. The tons number looks bigger to a general
observer. This is more politics than a game changer."
Russia had previously instituted a formal ban on domestic
diesel exports in early July following widespread fuel shortages caused by
Ukrainian drone attacks, withdrawing approximately 800,000 barrels per day from
global circulation.
Following the bilateral discussions, Kremlin readouts
confirmed Putin's willingness to resume energy shipments to international
markets.
"I am confident that this will have a positive impact
on the entire global economy," Putin stated according to the official
Kremlin summary.
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