Trump urges Ukraine to elect new president, criticizes Zelensky

Former US President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of blocking efforts to reach a deal to end the war with Russia and calling on Ukraine to choose a new president, in a fresh escalation of US pressure on Kyiv.

According to Al Arabiya, Trump said that Zelensky could have settled the war many times but chose not to, adding that "the Ukrainian president wants to cause problems for the United States and the world by targeting Russian oil refineries."

Trump, speaking before departing for Clarksville, Tennessee, said Zelensky "can do as he wishes, but he cannot target oil refineries," and called on him to immediately halt these attacks.

Addressing the Ukrainian people, Trump said: "I suggest they choose a new leader so they can reach an agreement," adding that the time has come for Ukraine to have a new president.

Trump's remarks came after he decided to strike a diesel supply deal with Russia, following Zelensky's reported disregard of about six US requests to stop targeting Russian refineries.