Trump Calls for Ukraine to Replace Zelenskyy Over Russian Fuel Dispute
The diplomatic dispute threatens allied intelligence sharing as Washington eases energy sanctions on Moscow to reduce domestic fuel costs before the November midterm elections.
President Donald Trump called for Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. Trump delivered the remarks on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for a rally in Tennessee. He said Ukraine needs a new leader who can reach a peace deal with Russia.
Trump ordered Ukraine to immediately halt drone and missile strikes against Russian oil refineries. He said Zelenskyy had deliberately chosen not to negotiate an end to the war. Trump stated that Ukrainian attacks were hurting global supplies and raising fuel costs for American farmers and ranchers.
Trump claimed the conflict had caused more than two million casualties across both sides and lost Ukraine 30 percent of its territory. His remarks followed an agreement announced Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply Russian diesel to global and American markets. The arrangement effectively eases energy sanctions on Moscow.
A U.S. official said Trump acted after Zelenskyy ignored six administration requests to stop targeting Russian refineries. Zelenskyy condemned the pact, stating it would directly finance Russian military personnel, drones, and missiles. He noted that Russian forces dropped five glide bombs on Zaporizhzhia hours after the deal was announced.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on social media that Zelenskyy retains the legitimate mandate of Ukrainian voters. Ukrainian officials said Kyiv previously offered to halt refinery strikes if Moscow stopped bombing Ukraine's electrical grid. The White House rejected that condition.
Ukraine has targeted Russian refineries for months, leading Moscow to ban diesel exports in July. Middle East conflict tied to Iran also reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. International Energy Agency data showed fuel exports from Gulf producers dropped to roughly one-quarter of normal levels.
The open dispute marks the most volatile breach between Washington and Kyiv since early 2025. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had recently conducted negotiations with Ukrainian and European representatives in Miami. U.S. negotiators warned Kyiv that Washington could curtail intelligence sharing if refinery attacks continue.
Russia is scheduled to deliver more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately. An additional 500,000 metric tons are scheduled for shipment across November. The administration faces scrutiny over whether the policy will lower pump prices before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
