Trump Pressures Ukraine to Halt Strikes on Russian Refineries in Exchange for 'Diesel Deal,' Publicly Pushes to Replace Zelensky

Citing rising U.S. diesel prices, Trump has pressured Ukraine to unilaterally stop its strikes on Russian refineries and publicly argued that Zelensky should be replaced by a leader willing to strike a deal with Moscow. According to AFP and Reuters reports, Trump on the 10th declared that Zelensky should "better damn well stop," accusing Ukrainian actions of driving up American fuel prices and of squandering opportunities to make deals with Russia.

Kyiv's response was measured in tone but firm in stance. According to France 24, Zelensky said publicly on the 11th that Ukraine is willing to halt attacks on Russian refineries, but only on the condition that Moscow simultaneously stops strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and that any such agreement "must have real guarantees." "There is only one real cause of this war in Europe, and that is Russia," Zelensky said. "A mutual ceasefire on energy infrastructure could be achieved today, but Putin does not want to do it."

What truly ignited this diplomatic furor was Trump's announcement of a "diesel supply agreement" reached with Moscow. Zelensky, in his response, attacked the deal, saying it would "embolden" Moscow's attacks on Ukraine.

The domestic political backdrop of the deal is equally clear. France 24, citing analysts, noted that since the outbreak of the Iran war in February 2026, global diesel prices have surged dramatically, becoming a political liability for Trump's Republican Party ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections—with the opposition Democratic Party potentially reclaiming control of at least one chamber of Congress. However, the same report quoted analysts as saying that since the volume of diesel involved in the deal remains far below Russia's typical export levels when its refineries are not under attack, the deal is "unlikely to bring sustained fuel price declines."

Criticism from within the United States, and from within the Republican camp, has been equally sharp. According to France 24, Republican Representative Don Bacon publicly opposed the deal, arguing that more, not fewer, sanctions should now be imposed on Russia.

Regarding the controversy over "replacing" him, Zelensky responded in an interview with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC): "First, with all due respect to President Trump, choosing which leader is a matter for our society, for our Ukrainian people." He further stated that if the U.S. side truly wants Ukraine to hold elections, "tell Putin to give us two months, a 60-day complete ceasefire, and we will organize elections."

Within Ukraine, dissatisfaction with Trump's remarks is evident. France 24 reported that multiple Kyiv residents expressed anger at the "replacement" suggestion. Sabina, a 40-year-old teacher, said: "No one has the right to tell us what to do, especially when elections cannot be held at all during wartime." She described Trump's statement as "a betrayal of a partner against us."

On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will attend a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Committee the following day. France 24 reported that the meeting is expected to discuss increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and advancing negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession. Zelensky also stated that Ukraine maintains daily communication with European leaders, with key focus areas including air defense equipment and warplane munitions used to down Russian jet-powered drones.