Trump lashes out at Zelensky for his criticism of the agreement with Russia and sends a message to Ukraine: 'I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal'

President Donald Trump launched a harsh attack against his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, this Saturday at the White House, following criticism he received after his decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel supplies, going so far as to suggest that Ukraine should change its leader. Responding to questions from reporters, Trump asserted that the Ukrainian president "could have settled this war many times," but "chose not to."

The president also criticized Zelensky, claiming he is trying to harm U.S. ranchers and farmers through fuel prices. "He wants to make problems for the world. He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers with diesel fuel because Russia supplies a large portion of the diesel fuel throughout the world," Trump said, adding that the Ukrainian government ignored his repeated requests not to attack Russia's energy infrastructure.

Shortly after those comments, a reporter asked Trump whether he didn't think the agreement reached with the Kremlin could leave Ukraine vulnerable, to which Trump replied: "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal."

This Friday, the president announced that Russia will supply diesel to the United States and the global market, following a "very successful" conversation with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. According to a Truth Social post, Moscow will ship more than 300,000 metric tons "immediately," another 500,000 metric tons in November, and 1 million metric tons "immediately afterward."

According to Trump's message, he spoke with Putin, and the two agreed that Russia will deliver another 3 million metric tons of diesel "shortly." The message does not specify how much of that fuel would go to the U.S. or whether that figure is in addition to the previous amounts.

Unlike gasoline, which is used primarily for cars and other personal vehicles, diesel is essential for freight transportation and activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and construction. Trucks, tractors, buses, and much of the heavy machinery run on this fuel.

The announcement comes as the national average price of diesel stands at $6.27 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).