Trump Says Ukraine Should 'Get a New Leader' After Zelensky Criticizes U.S.-Russia Diesel Deal
Trump spoke on Oct. 10. The day before, while U.S., Ukrainian and European officials were still meeting in Miami, he announced a deal with Putin on Russian diesel, and the Treasury issued a license easing sanctions until April 7, 2027.
Two barrels, pulling in opposite directions
On Oct. 9, the U.S. Treasury issued a license that lets Russian-origin diesel be sold, shipped and imported until April 7, 2027[13]. Ukraine, meanwhile, has been striking Russian oil refineries. Those strikes take Russian diesel off the market, and the license lets more of it back on[6][13].
That collision sits under the dispute that followed. On Saturday, Oct. 10, President Donald Trump said Ukraine should replace President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal because he could have made many deals and for some reason he never does," he told reporters as he left the White House for a rally in Tennessee[2][17].
Trump tied the remark to fuel prices. He blamed Ukraine's refinery strikes for high diesel costs. "He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers, with diesel fuel," he said[2][6].
A deal announced mid-meeting
The day before, Trump announced on Truth Social that Vladimir Putin had agreed to send diesel to world markets. The post listed three stages: more than 300,000 tons right away, 500,000 tons in November and 1,000,000 tons after that[5][21]. That adds up to about 1.8 million tons over several months.
The timing matters to Kyiv. U.S., Ukrainian, European and NATO officials were meeting in Miami on Oct. 9–10 to discuss ending the war. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were among them[9][10][11]. The deal was announced while those talks were still underway.
The talks ended earlier than planned[9]. Zelensky said his negotiators had been used as "cover" while Washington and Moscow made a fuel deal[18]. So the rift did not simply follow the Miami meeting. It happened inside it.
The White House case: prices first
The administration's argument starts with a number. U.S. diesel went above $6 a gallon for the first time in September 2026, as the wars in Ukraine and Iran both squeezed supply[16]. Diesel moves farm equipment, trucks and most of what Americans buy. More supply is the fastest way to bring the price down.
Trump had asked Zelensky for weeks to stop hitting Russian refineries[2][22]. A U.S. official told Axios that Zelensky ignored about half a dozen such requests before the deal was made[4]. The administration also has a political incentive. Midterm elections are in November, and lower fuel prices would help.
The license is a "general license." That is a standing Treasury permission to do business that sanctions would otherwise ban. The administration describes this one as temporary and limited. It notes that a new sanctions law, the Graham Act, left Treasury's power to issue new licenses in place[13]. The license also excludes accounts of Russia's central bank and some state funds[13].
Kyiv and Brussels: pressure is the point
Zelensky called the deal "not fair and not honest" in an Axios interview[3]. He said easing sanctions without a lasting de-escalation deal "plays into Russia's hands"[5]. In his view, sanctions are the main peaceful pressure on Moscow, and lifting them for nothing lets Russia "kill more" and "wage war for longer"[5].
Kyiv sees the refinery strikes as self-defense. Refineries turn crude into the export fuel that pays for Russia's war, and into fuel its military uses. Zelensky has offered to stop the strikes if Russia stops bombing Ukraine's power grid[12].
Europe sided with Kyiv. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, "this is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won't"[12]. European governments joined the Miami talks to help shape a peace plan. They see a side deal as undercutting that work[9][11]. Europe also once relied heavily on Russian diesel and now pays high prices too[8].
A new law, a new license
The legal question may outlast the quarrel. In September, Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. It targets Russia's energy revenue and its "shadow fleet" of tankers[5]. Critics say the diesel deal contradicts that law, which was signed less than a month earlier[5][7].
Law-firm analyses add a technical point. The Act exempts licenses issued before it took effect. GL 135 came after, so it does not qualify for that exemption[7]. That could become a fight with Congress.
One figure circulating online should be treated with care. An aggregator report said the relief could be worth as much as $10 billion to Russia. Its basis is unpublished and the figure is unverified. The same report wrongly called the license a "30-day waiver"[20].
Same story, different lead
Outlets framed the story differently. Fox News led with Trump's words and his price argument for farmers, and gave critics of the relief less room[1][21]. CNN's headline said Trump "spars" with Zelensky, which casts it as a two-sided clash[14]. CNBC put the legal question up front[7]. The AP gave Trump's full quotes and noted the midterm context[2].
Axios ran both sides' insider accounts on back-to-back days: Zelensky's interview, then a U.S. official's account of Kyiv ignoring requests[3][4]. Al Jazeera asked why the U.S. is "turning to Russia" for diesel[8]. India's The Week said the deal "exposes US double standards," a nod to U.S. pressure on India over its own Russian oil purchases[19]. Ukrainska Pravda paired the early end of the Miami talks with the diesel deal[9].
Russia's voice mostly reached Western readers through Trump's post. A full Kremlin reaction to the "new leader" remark was not found[8]. Moscow presents itself as a reliable supplier ready to stabilize fuel markets, and the deal gives it a legal outlet for diesel until April 2027[13].
What happens next depends on those same barrels. If Russian diesel flows and the strikes slow, prices will likely ease, and so will the pressure on Moscow's budget. If the strikes continue, the extra supply may not arrive in full[6][8]. A fight with Congress over the license could still come.
Summary
President Donald Trump said on Saturday, Oct. 10, that Ukraine should replace President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a rally in Tennessee[2][17]. He blamed Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian oil refineries for high U.S. diesel prices. "He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers, with diesel fuel," Trump said[2][6].
The remark came a day after Trump announced a deal with Vladimir Putin. Russia would send diesel to world markets in three stages: more than 300,000 tons right away, 500,000 tons in November and 1,000,000 tons after that[5][21]. That adds up to about 1.8 million tons. In return, the U.S. Treasury issued a license that lets Russian diesel be sold and shipped, including into the United States, until April 7, 2027[13]. Zelensky called the deal "not fair and not honest"[3]. He said easing sanctions without a lasting de-escalation deal "plays into Russia's hands"[5]. The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said "this is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won't"[12].
The timing is part of the dispute. Trump announced the deal while U.S., Ukrainian, European and NATO officials were meeting in Miami on Oct. 9–10 to discuss ending the war[9][10]. The talks ended earlier than planned[9]. Zelensky said his negotiators had been used as "cover" while Washington and Moscow made a fuel deal[18].
The core disagreement is over what matters more right now. The White House argues that Ukraine's refinery strikes are pushing up fuel prices for Americans and the world, and that Kyiv ignored repeated U.S. requests to stop[4]. Kyiv and European capitals argue that sanctions relief pays for Russia's war without getting anything back. They also say it undercuts a sanctions law Trump signed less than a month ago[5][7].
The Event
On Oct. 9, 2026, Trump announced on Truth Social that, after a call with Putin, Russia had agreed to supply diesel to U.S. and global markets[5][21]. The same day, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued Russia-related General License 135. It authorizes deals for Russian-origin diesel until April 7, 2027[13]. Zelensky criticized the deal publicly, including in an interview with Axios[3][5]. On Oct. 10, Trump told reporters that Ukraine should get a new leader, and the U.S.-Ukraine-Europe talks in Miami ended early[2][9].
Undisputed Facts
- Trump said on Oct. 10: "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal because he could have made many deals and for some reason he never does"[2].
- Trump's post listed about 300,000 tons of Russian diesel right away, 500,000 tons in November and 1,000,000 tons after that[21].
- OFAC's General License 135 authorizes the sale, delivery, offloading and import of Russian-origin diesel until April 7, 2027[13].
- Ukraine has been striking Russian oil refineries, and Trump had asked Zelensky for weeks to stop[2][22].
- U.S., Ukrainian, European and NATO officials met in Miami on Oct. 9–10 with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks ended earlier than planned[9][10][11].
- In September, Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a law aimed at Russia's energy revenue and its 'shadow fleet' of tankers[5].
- U.S. diesel prices went above $6 a gallon for the first time in September 2026. The wars in Ukraine and Iran were both squeezing supply[16].
The Pressure
Strip away the moralizing and blame. What structural realities persist regardless of which narrative wins?
- U.S. fuel prices and the midterms
- Diesel above $6 a gallon raises costs for farms, trucking and everything shipped. That gives a U.S. president a strong reason to add supply quickly before an election[2][16].
- Ukraine's strike capability
- Long-range drone strikes on refineries are one of the few ways Ukraine can hit Russia's war economy directly. Giving them up for nothing removes leverage[6][12].
- Russia's need for revenue
- Fuel exports pay for Russia's state and war budget. Any legal channel for sales eases a squeeze that Western sanctions were built to create[8][13].
- Europe's seat at the table
- European governments want any peace deal to protect their own security. Bilateral U.S.-Russia deals threaten that role[11][12].
Material realityThe two sides are fighting over the same barrels. Ukraine's strikes take Russian diesel off the market, and the U.S. license lets more of it come back[6][13]. Trump's listed tonnages total about 1.8 million tons, delivered over several months[21]. The license lasts until April 7, 2027, and so it covers the coming winter[13]. Prices respond to supply whatever the politics. If Russian diesel flows and the strikes slow, prices will likely ease, and so will the pressure on Moscow's budget. If the strikes continue, the extra Russian supply may not arrive in full[6][8].
Narrative as a weaponThe White House wants Americans to see a price problem caused partly by Kyiv, and a president solving it. Kyiv wants the world to see a betrayal: sanctions relief granted while its negotiators were in the room. The EU is presenting itself as the steady keeper of sanctions. Russia benefits from the split, but in this research its voice reaches Western readers mostly through Trump's post. One detail of the assigned framing needs correcting. The rift did not simply 'follow' the Miami talks. The deal was announced while the talks were still underway, and that overlap is the core of Kyiv's complaint[9][18]. Some secondary sources also give inconsistent terms, such as a '30-day' waiver[20]. The OFAC record shows an expiry of April 7, 2027[13].
How Each Side Sees It
Each major actor’s view — how it frames things, its underlying incentive, and how it’s materially affected. Tap a side to read it.
Frames it asIts first duty is to American consumers. Diesel moves almost everything Americans buy, and it has passed $6 a gallon[16]. Putting more Russian fuel on the market is a fast way to bring that price down. Trump argues Ukraine's refinery strikes are part of the reason prices are high. A U.S. official told Axios that Zelensky ignored about half a dozen U.S. requests to stop them before the deal was made[4]. A 'general license' is a standing Treasury permission to do business that sanctions would otherwise ban. The administration says this one is temporary and limited. It notes that the Graham Act left Treasury's power to issue new licenses in place. It also says leaders who cannot 'make a deal' are prolonging the war[2][13].
WhyLower fuel prices before the November midterm elections, and leverage over both Kyiv and Moscow to force a settlement[2].
Impact on themIt risks open conflict with Kyiv and the EU. Critics say it contradicts the Graham Act's intent. Law-firm analyses note that GL 135 does not qualify for the Act's exception for licenses issued before enactment, which could become a fight with Congress[7]. If diesel prices fall, farmers and truckers benefit, and so does the administration politically[6].
Frames it asSanctions are the main peaceful pressure on Moscow. Lifting them for nothing in return 'plays into Russia's hands' and lets Russia 'kill more' and 'wage war for longer'[5]. Refineries turn crude into the export fuel that pays for Russia's war and into the fuel its military uses, so Kyiv calls the strikes legitimate self-defense against the economy behind the war. Zelensky has offered to stop them if Russia stops bombing Ukraine's power grid[12]. His government also says a deal struck over Ukraine's head, while its negotiators sat in Miami, breaks faith with a partner[18]. Ukraine's foreign minister said Zelensky has the backing of the Ukrainian people.
WhyKeep economic pressure on Russia, protect its most effective long-range weapon, and avoid a peace settled between Washington and Moscow without Kyiv[3][18].
Impact on themUkraine faces less U.S. political backing and an open call from the U.S. president for new leadership. One aggregator report put the relief at as much as $10 billion for Russia, but that figure is unverified and its basis is unpublished[20].
Frames it asMoscow presents itself as a reliable energy supplier that is ready to help stabilize world fuel markets. In this telling, Kyiv's refinery attacks are what is destabilizing them. A direct deal with Washington supports its view that the U.S.-Russia relationship can be repaired without going through Kyiv[8][21].
WhyLoosen sanctions, earn export revenue, and widen the gap between Washington and Kyiv. A full Kremlin reaction to the 'new leader' remark was not found in this research[8].
Impact on themIt gains a legal outlet for its diesel until April 2027. The license excludes accounts of Russia's central bank and some state funds[13]. Russian energy sites remain targets for Ukrainian strikes[6].
Frames it asThe EU's view is that easing pressure on Russia now rewards aggression. Kallas says 'Europe won't' follow the U.S. lead[12]. European governments joined the Miami talks to shape a peace plan. They see an outside side-deal as undercutting that work[9][11].
WhyKeep Western sanctions unified, keep a seat at the peace table, and avoid a settlement that leaves Europe less secure[11][12].
Impact on themEurope now has U.S. and EU sanctions policies pulling in different directions. It also pays high diesel prices, since it once relied heavily on Russian diesel[8].
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The Bias Ledger average rating 3.4
The same story, as framed by outlets across the spectrum, ordered least to most biased. The bias score (1 = straight, 10 = heavily spun) is an AI assessment of that framing — click an outlet to see its track record. The tell is the word choice or omission that reveals the angle.
| Outlet | Vantage | Bias | How they frame it | The tell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associated Press | U.S. center (wire) | 2 | Trump says 'I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president' | Gives Trump's full quotes and the midterm context. Adding 'before the midterm election' implies a political motive, but it is accurate context. |
| CNN | U.S. center-left | 3 | Trump says Ukraine should get a new leader as he spars with Zelensky over US-Russia diesel deal | 'Spars' casts the story as a two-sided clash. It is fairly straight, but the White House's price rationale comes after the rift. |
| Axios | U.S. center | 3 | U.S. official: Trump cut deal with Putin after Zelensky ignored his requests | It ran both sides' insider accounts on back-to-back days. This one leans on an unnamed U.S. official's account of the motive. |
| Al Jazeera | Qatari state-funded | 3 | Why is US turning to Russia for diesel despite sanctions? | Calls it 'turning to Russia' and frames the story as a puzzle about U.S. consistency instead of a U.S.-Ukraine spat. |
| Ukrainska Pravda | Ukrainian independent | 3 | Ukraine-US-European talks in Miami end earlier than planned | Puts the collapse of the talks next to the diesel deal, which makes Kyiv's 'cover' grievance the main thread. |
| Fox News | U.S. right | 4 | Trump calls for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy after clash over Russia diesel deal: 'Get a new president' | It leads with Trump's quote and the price argument for farmers. Critics of the sanctions relief get less room. |
| The Week | Indian | 6 | Trump's diesel deal with Putin may ease prices but exposes US double standards | 'Double standards' brings in India's grievance over U.S. pressure on its purchases of Russian oil. |
References
- Trump calls for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy after clash over Russia diesel deal: 'Get a new president' — Fox News · U.S. right; Fox Corp. (Murdoch family)
- Trump says 'I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president' — Associated Press (via ABC News) · U.S. center wire; nonprofit news cooperative
- Exclusive: Zelensky tells Axios Trump's diesel deal with Putin "not fair and not honest" — Axios · U.S. center; owned by Cox Enterprises
- U.S. official: Trump cut deal with Putin after Zelensky ignored his requests — Axios · U.S. center; owned by Cox Enterprises
- Zelensky to Trump: Diesel Deal 'Plays into Russia's Hands' — Mediaite · U.S. media-politics site, center-left
- Trump says Ukraine needs a new president, blames Zelenskyy's strikes on Russian refineries for high diesel prices — CBS News · U.S. center-left; Paramount Skydance
- Trump's diesel agreement with Putin accused of contradicting Russia sanctions law — CNBC · U.S. business news, center; Versant
- Why is US turning to Russia for diesel despite sanctions? — Al Jazeera · Funded by the Qatari state
- Ukraine-US-European talks in Miami end earlier than planned — Ukrainska Pravda · Ukrainian independent, privately owned
- Witkoff, Kushner Pitch 'New Ideas' to Ukraine in Miami — Kyiv Post · Ukrainian independent, English-language, privately owned
- Trump envoys, European officials to discuss 'new ideas' for Ukraine peace in Miami — France 24 · Funded by the French state
- Trump says Ukraine needs new president after Zelenskyy condemns Russia fuel deal — Euronews · Pan-European; partly EU-funded; majority private owner
- Issuance of Russia-related General License — U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control · U.S. government primary source (Trump administration)
- Trump says Ukraine should get a new leader as he spars with Zelensky over US-Russia diesel deal — CNN · U.S. center-left; Warner Bros. Discovery
- Trump calls on Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy amid tensions over Russia deal — Al Jazeera · Funded by the Qatari state
- Trump urges Ukraine to stop 'knocking out' Russian oil refineries as U.S. diesel hits record — CNBC · U.S. business news, center; Versant
- Trump says it is time for Ukraine to get a new president who can make a deal with Russia — Ukrainska Pravda · Ukrainian independent, privately owned
- US, Europe and Ukraine hold 'constructive discussions' on joint plan to end war — France 24 · Funded by the French state
- Trump's diesel deal with Putin may ease prices but exposes US double standards — The Week · Indian newsmagazine, Malayala Manorama group
- Zelensky furious with Trump as 30-day Russia waiver hands Putin $10B for war in Ukraine — AOL · U.S. aggregator republishing third-party content; original outlet not confirmed
- Trump says Putin has agreed to supply over millions of tons of diesel fuel — Fox Business · U.S. right; Fox Corp.
- Trump tells Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian diesel refineries — Fox News · U.S. right; Fox Corp. (Murdoch family)