U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that it is time for Ukraine to have a new president, responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's criticism of a recent U.S. diesel deal with Russia. Zelensky had warned that the agreement, which allows millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the U.S., would provide Moscow with funds to continue its war against Ukraine.

Trump made his remarks to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, suggesting that Zelensky is creating global problems by authorizing attacks on Russian refineries. "He'd better damn well stop," Trump said, adding that Ukraine should find a leader capable of making a deal. Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia's invasion in 2022, suspending elections.

The Ukrainian president's condemnation came after Trump confirmed an agreement on Friday to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7. Zelensky argued that this deal would enable Moscow to acquire new military equipment and continue its attacks on Ukrainian cities, citing recent deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia.

Global fuel supplies, including diesel, have been significantly impacted by the war, exacerbated by disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, further straining energy markets. Trump indicated that a directive had been given to avoid targeting refineries, which he described as a "world problem."

Putin's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, called Trump's intervention "iconic and historic," asserting that Ukraine requires leadership focused on peace. Dmitriev suggested that Zelensky's stance was hindering opportunities for resolution.

President Zelensky engaged with several allies on Saturday to discuss the developments and advocate for measures to protect lives in Ukraine and ensure European security. A spokesperson for the UK's Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Burnham had expressed solidarity with Zelensky and agreed that Russia should cease attacks on shipping in the Black Sea to improve global energy and food supplies.

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas echoed Zelensky's concerns, stating that suspending sanctions provides Russia with increased revenues for its war effort. Kallas emphasized that this is not the time to reduce pressure on Russia and indicated that European foreign ministers intend to maintain sanctions.

The dispute highlights the complex geopolitical and economic pressures surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its impact on global energy markets, with differing approaches emerging among key international players regarding sanctions and diplomatic engagement with Russia.