Trump urges Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy over diesel prices

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to replace its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for strikes on Russian oil refineries that he claims have contributed to high global diesel prices.

The criticism came as tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine escalated following Trump's announcement of a diesel supply deal with Russia, which he said would help reduce fuel prices.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy, stating that the Ukrainian leader has the support of the people and is fulfilling his duties.

Trump, who has been pressuring Zelenskyy to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure, struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to buy diesel from Russia, marking a reversal of previous U.S. policies.

Zelenskyy responded angrily to the deal, linking it to a Russian attack that killed 20 people in Zaporizhzhia, including three children, and accused Russia of seeing the deal as a signal to continue its attacks.

The attack in Zaporizhzhia was the third mass-casualty strike on Ukraine in four days, with nearly 80 civilians killed in separate Russian strikes on Wednesday and Thursday.

Trump's announcement of the diesel deal contrasted with a recent U.S. law imposing sanctions on Russia, and he faced criticism from lawmakers and allies for the move.

Zelenskyy warned that additional revenue from Russian exports would fund Moscow's war efforts and said Ukraine was coordinating to counter the financial impact.