Trump Calls for Ukraine to Elect New President, Citing Refusal of Peace Deals
By garrisonvance // 2026-10-12
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President Donald Trump said Saturday that it is time for Ukraine to get a new president, accusing Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky of refusing multiple opportunities to settle the conflict with Russia. "I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump said. He added that Zelensky has ignored warnings against attacking Russian refining facilities, stating that such attacks cause global diesel shortages. "We said, you can do whatever you want to Russia, don't hit the refineries, because that's a world problem that's caused. And he wants to make problems for the world," Trump said. The remarks came one day after Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders discussed prospects for settling the Ukraine crisis, while the situation surrounding Iran and various aspects of bilateral relations were also touched upon, according to a Kremlin readout [1].

Zelensky’s Mandate and Martial Law

No new presidential election has been held in Ukraine since the mandate expired. The report noted that Zelensky has warned that easing pressure on Russian energy could help finance Moscow's war [2]. This follows earlier U.S. pressure on Ukraine to hold elections. In February 2025, the United States, through Trump's envoy Keith Kellogg, urged Ukraine to hold presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of the year as part of efforts to broker a truce with Russia [3]. Russia questions Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy, arguing that his term expired in May 2024 and he lacks authority to sign binding agreements, complicating peace prospects [3]. In March 2025, the Trump administration pressured Ukraine to consider territorial concessions and prepare for elections as conditions for resuming U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing [4]. U.S. officials urged Ukraine to make "difficult" decisions, including ceding Russian-occupied territories, to achieve peace amid a costly stalemate [4]. Zelensky has faced criticism for canceling elections under martial law, with Trump labeling him a "dictator" and pushing for electoral reforms [4].

Trump-Putin Call and Diesel Agreement

According to Trump, Moscow agreed to the immediate release of 300,000 metric tons of diesel, followed by another 500,000 metric tons next month [2]. Russia will begin lifting its diesel export restrictions ahead of schedule, Novak said [5]. This deal represents a shift in U.S. policy. Previously, the U.S. had imposed sanctions on Russian fuel exports. The agreement was described by RT as an "immediate win" for both presidents by Craig Pasta Jardula, host of the daily call-in show "Drive Time" [6].

Reactions and Criticism

He warned that a new deal to release millions of tons of Russian diesel into the US would provide Moscow with money to continue its war in Ukraine [7]. Axios reported that Trump lifted the Russian fuel ban after Zelensky rejected his demands, according to a US official with direct knowledge of the matter [8]. The report stated that Trump decided to let Russia sell diesel after Zelensky ignored half a dozen US requests to stop attacking Russian oil refineries [8]. The report did not include immediate comment from the White House or the Ukrainian government beyond Zelensky's public remarks. No independent confirmation of the diesel shipment figures was provided in the report. Ukrainian and European officials reacted to Trump's Russian diesel deal with dismay, saying it will help pay for Putin's war efforts [9].

Conclusion: Ongoing Diplomacy

Trump's call for a new Ukrainian president follows a phone call with Putin and a temporary US waiver on Russian diesel sanctions. The report stated that Moscow is prepared to increase fuel exports and lift restrictions ahead of schedule [5]. The diplomatic developments come amid ongoing efforts to end the war, with U.S. officials emphasizing the need for a negotiated settlement.

References

  1. In First, Putin Conveys High Level Message To Trump On Ending Iran War. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/first-putin-conveys-high-level-message-trump-ending-iran-war
  2. NEW: President Trump Secures Massive Russian Diesel Agreement To Fight High Fuel Prices. https://100percentfedup.com/new-president-trump-secures-massive-russian-diesel-agreement/
  3. US pushes Ukraine to hold elections amid war raising questions of legitimacy and peace prospects - NaturalNews.com, February 03, 2025.
  4. Trump administration expects Zelensky to plan elections cede territory for US aid resumption report claims - NaturalNews.com, March 11, 2025.
  5. Russia confirms it's ready to ship diesel to US from October. https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/russia-confirms-its-ready-ship-diesel-us-october
  6. ‘Immediate win for both presidents’ – expert on US-Russia diesel deal (VIDEO). https://www.rt.com/news/647021-pasta-us-russia-diesel-deal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS
  7. Time for Ukraine to get new president,' says Trump after Zelensky condemns diesel deal. https://bbc.com/news/articles/cqe8r5l7n92jo
  8. Payback: Trump Cut Putin Diesel Deal After Zelensky Ignored Six Pleas To Stop Refinery Strikes. https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/payback-trump-cut-putin-diesel-deal-after-zelensky-ignored-six-pleas-stop-refinery-strikes
  9. Trump says Ukraine should get a new president - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/10/trump-says-ukraine-should-get-a-new-president.html

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