Washington:US President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested that Ukraine should consider 'getting a new president,' criticizing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not securing a peace deal with Russia.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump accused Zelenskyy of missing multiple opportunities to end the ongoing conflict, asserting that a better leader could have made deals to resolve the situation. Trump claimed the war, which started in 2022 during Joe Biden's presidency, could have been avoided if he had been in office.
Trump further criticized Ukrainian military actions targeting Russian energy infrastructure, stating that such strikes could exacerbate global fuel shortages and negatively impact American farmers and ranchers. He advised against targeting diesel fuel specifically due to existing shortages.
At Joint Base Andrews, Trump reiterated his stance, suggesting that a settlement with Russian President Vladimir Putin was possible and criticizing Zelenskyy for not securing a 'much better deal' two years prior. Trump argued that Putin is willing to negotiate and highlighted a new deal for Russia to sell diesel fuel, which Zelenskyy opposed.
Moscow and Kyiv have been increasing strikes on each other's logistics centers, ports, and energy infrastructure, with both nations claiming their attacks are directed at military targets.
Following Trump's comments, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy's leadership during the war, emphasizing Zelenskyy's support from the Ukrainian people and their right to self-determination. Sybiha stated that international criticisms only reinforce that Zelenskyy is effectively fulfilling his role.