WASHINGTON/KIEV — A fierce diplomatic row has erupted between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, centring on global energy prices, strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, and the future of Kiev’s leadership.
The confrontation intensified over the weekend after Trump publicly suggested it was time for Ukraine to “get a new president.” Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump blamed Zelensky for surging global diesel prices and labelled him a “troublemaker” who has failed to make sufficient efforts to end the war.
“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a [peace] deal, for some reason [Zelensky] never does,” Trump stated, directly warning the Ukrainian president to cease missile and drone attacks on Russian oil refineries. “He better damn well stop.”
Trump’s comments followed his administration’s decision to suspend US sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7. The move is aimed at easing global fuel shortages exacerbated by the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as the White House prioritises the cost of living ahead of next month’s US midterm elections.
Zelensky swiftly condemned the sanctions waiver as a “weak decision” and a “gift” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that the influx of revenue would directly fund further attacks on Ukrainian cities, including recent strikes on Zaporizhzhia.
In a televised interview with ABC News, Zelensky forcefully rejected Trump’s call for regime change in Kiev. “It’s up to our society, up to our people” to choose their leader, Zelensky declared. He added that Ukraine would be willing to organise elections, but only if Washington could secure a “60-day total ceasefire” from Moscow to ensure a safe voting environment.
Shifting the blame for the global energy crisis back onto Russia, Zelensky countered Trump’s warnings by offering a reciprocal “energy ceasefire.” Taking to X, Zelensky announced that Ukraine is prepared to halt all strikes on Russian oil refineries if Russia immediately stops targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
“It is possible to stop strikes on energy infrastructure as early as today, but Putin does not want to do so,” Zelensky wrote, emphasising that any de-escalation must be mutual and backed by concrete security guarantees. “The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia and Russia alone.”
Following Zelensky’s public offer, President Trump later announced that an “energy ceasefire” had ostensibly been reached between Moscow and Kiev, though the practical implementation and Russian verification of the truce remain to be seen.
The unprecedented public friction highlights a major shift in US-Ukrainian relations, as the Trump administration increasingly prioritises domestic economic concerns and global energy market stability over the unconditional support of Kiev’s wartime strategies.
Reference: PressTv | The Cradle | Al-Mayadeen