US President Donald Trump told reporters that Ukraine should replace its president because, in his view, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is unwilling to reach an agreement to end the war. The American leader also criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, claiming that they were causing problems for American farmers.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to journalists, according to AP.
“I think it’s time for Ukraine to change its president,” Trump said.
According to the US president, Zelenskyy has allegedly had numerous opportunities to end the war but has failed to take advantage of them.
“Zelenskyy could have ended this war many, many times. But he doesn’t do it,” Trump said.
He also accused the Ukrainian president of creating problems for other countries through strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
“Zelenskyy wants to create problems for the whole world. He wants to create problems for our farmers by striking Russian oil refineries,” the US president said.
Trump expressed his belief that Ukraine needs a different leader who would be able to negotiate an end to the war.
“I suggest that Ukraine get a new leader who can make a deal. For some reason, Zelenskyy never makes deals,” he said.
Separately, the US president commented on Ukrainian attacks against Russian oil refining facilities involved in diesel fuel production.
According to Trump, Washington had warned Zelenskyy against carrying out such strikes.
“We told Zelenskyy: ‘Do whatever you want, but don’t touch diesel fuel.’ And what did he do? He went ahead and struck facilities connected to diesel fuel,” the US president said.
Trump emphasized that he considers such actions unacceptable.
“He can do whatever he wants, but he shouldn’t do that,” the American president concluded.
