US President Donald Trump has publicly suggested that it is time for a change in leadership in Ukraine, following ongoing tensions regarding Kyiv's military strategy. Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky for continuing to authorize drone strikes against Russian oil refineries. According to Trump, these attacks are creating a significant "world problem" by destabilizing global fuel supplies.
The criticism comes as the global energy market remains under severe strain. The conflict, which has been ongoing since Russia's 2022 invasion, has seen both nations intensify strikes on energy and transport infrastructure. These developments have contributed to a sharp rise in the cost of petrol and diesel, fueling inflation and affecting American consumers. Data from the AAA indicates that the average price of diesel has climbed to $6.28 a gallon, a substantial increase from $5.94 last month and $3.68 a year ago. According to the International Energy Agency, Russian diesel production has dropped by approximately 30% due to the persistent drone strikes on its refineries over the past 10 months.
Trump stated that he had previously warned against striking these facilities, noting, "We said, 'you can do whatever you want to Russia, don't hit the refineries', because that's a world problem that's caused." In response to the ongoing conflict, Russia’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev described Trump’s intervention as "iconic and historic," asserting that Ukraine requires leadership more focused on peace. Trump had previously called for new elections in Ukraine last December, though such processes are currently suspended under the country's martial law.
The diplomatic situation remains complex. On Friday, the US president confirmed an agreement with Moscow to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April. President Zelensky has condemned this move, arguing that it will allow Russia to raise funds for military equipment to sustain the war. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has engaged in discussions with Zelensky, offering "complete solidarity." A spokesperson for Downing Street noted that the two leaders agreed on the need for an "immediate energy ceasefire" and an end to attacks on shipping in the Black Sea to help stabilize global energy and food markets. Additionally, European foreign ministers are expected to approve a new, large-scale set of sanctions against Russia this coming Monday.
Global fuel supplies, including diesel, have been severely limited by the war against Iran launched by the US and Israel, which led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil products usually flows.
That conflict, which began in February, has sent the cost of petrol and in particular diesel skyrocketing, which has soured his standing with the American public who have been stung by the higher pump prices and knock-on effects that led to across-the-board inflation.
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