Trump says Ukraine needs a new president, blames Zelenskyy's strikes on Russian refineries for high diesel prices
Updated on: October 10, 2026 / 9:59 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Former President Trump believes Ukraine requires a new leader to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
- Trump suggested Zelenskyy's strikes on Russian oil refineries contribute to high diesel prices.
- Trump asserted that he could have prevented the Russia-Ukraine war if he were president.
- Ukraine's Foreign Minister stated that Zelenskyy has the support of the Ukrainian people and deserves international backing.
- The comments follow a US decision to temporarily waive sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
- Zelenskyy criticized the diesel deal, stating it would help fund Russia's war efforts.
- Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized the diesel deal, calling it a "betrayal" and urging Trump to rescind it.
- Russian strikes killed at least 20 people, including children, in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region.
- Missiles also struck Kyiv, wounding four people.
- Ukraine is facing escalating Russian bombardments that have caused significant casualties.