United States President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be replaced as the negotiator in talks to end Russia's war, suggesting that Zelenskyy has not resolved the conflict effectively.

Trump's comments come amid a deepening rift between the two leaders, with the US president having publicly criticized Zelenskyy on multiple occasions recently. Trump has claimed Zelenskyy does not wish to end the war and has previously called for his replacement as president, labeling him a "warmonger" in relation to Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries.

In parallel, President Zelenskyy informed US senators during a meeting that decisions made by the Trump administration are difficult to reconcile with the relationship between allies. He specifically highlighted delays in arms shipments and restrictions on intelligence sharing, stating that the Pentagon is holding up missile deliveries that partners have already financed.

Zelenskyy indicated that one missile package was awaiting the signature of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Furthermore, he mentioned that several European nations are prepared to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles from their own reserves but require US authorization to proceed.

The friction between the two leaders surfaces as the Trump administration also announced plans for Russia to supply significant amounts of diesel fuel to global markets. This decision, intended to address soaring fuel prices following the US and Israel's war on Iran, has drawn criticism from Kyiv, European partners, and some US officials, who argue it benefits Moscow while it continues its prolonged war in Ukraine.

Trump defended the sanctions waivers for Russia, asserting a desire to maintain Moscow's presence at the negotiating table. However, Zelenskyy stated that such decisions would harm Ukraine and bolster Russian President Vladimir Putin's war efforts.

Trump's public remarks have been a consistent feature in recent days, intensifying the apparent discord. His assertion that Zelenskyy should have settled the war earlier and his suggestion that a different negotiator might achieve a better outcome underscore the growing tension in US-Ukraine relations.

The reported delays in arms and intelligence, coupled with Trump's direct criticism of Zelenskyy's negotiation approach, raise questions about the future of US support and the potential impact on Ukraine's defense capabilities during the ongoing conflict.