Trump was dissatisfied with the criticism of the US-Russian diesel deal and publicly declared that "Ukraine should change its president", bringing US-Ukraine relations to a freezing point. The picture shows Trump (right) having a heated argument with Ukrainian President Zelensky during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in February last year. (AFP file photo)
U.S. President Trump reached a diesel deal with Russia in order to stabilize domestic oil prices, triggering major political rifts in the Western camp. On the 10th, Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky for opposing the US-Russian fuel deal and attacking Russian oil refineries, saying bluntly that "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president." These remarks were immediately highly praised by Moscow, but triggered a strong backlash from the United Kingdom and the European Union. The European allies stated that they would never compromise with Russia and announced that they would impose the largest sanctions against Russia since the full-scale invasion next week.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that Trump told reporters outside the White House on the 10th that Zelensky's continued ordering of attacks on Russian oil refining facilities was "creating problems for the world" and warned that "he had better stop immediately." Trump even bluntly said that Ukraine should "find a new leader who can make an agreement."
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In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev immediately applauded, describing Trump's statement as a "historic landmark speech" and saying that Ukraine does need "leadership that is truly focused on peace."
This storm among allies stems from the Trump administration's recent announcement to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7 next year, in exchange for Russia releasing millions of tons of diesel to the U.S. and global markets in phases to ease the U.S. diesel price that has soared to $6.28 per gallon due to the war in the Middle East. Zelensky strongly denounced the agreement as a "gift to Putin" and criticized the United States for essentially funding Moscow's arms production and bombing of Ukrainian towns.
Brussels plans to introduce heaviest punitive measures ever
Faced with Trump's pressure on Kiev and compromise with Russia, European allies have shown completely different tough stances. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas publicly expressed support for Zelensky, criticizing that suspending sanctions will only provide Moscow with more funds to wage war, stressing that "now is by no means a moment to relax pressure on Russia, and Europe will never back down."
She revealed that EU foreign ministers will formally decide on Monday (12th) the "largest sanctions package" since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had a phone call with Zelensky on the 10th, expressing "complete solidarity". Both sides unanimously called on Russia to immediately implement an energy ceasefire and stop attacking shipping in the Black Sea. Ukraine has implemented martial law since it was invaded by Russia in 2022 and suspended all public office elections in accordance with the law. Trump also publicly asked Ukraine to hold an election in December last year, arguing that Ukrainian voters should have the right to replace Zelensky.
