Trump slams Zelenskyy, says Ukraine should elect new president
Quick Look
US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine should get a new president capable of making a deal with Russia, criticized Zelenskyy's leadership, warned Kyiv against targeting Russian oil refineries, and said he had told Zelenskyy to 'do what you want' against Russia but not to hit refineries.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The war between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in significant territorial losses and casualties, with Trump asserting that over a million people have been displaced and over two million killed.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said it's time for Ukraine to get a new president, suggesting that current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not done enough to put an end to Ukraine's war with Russia.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said, "I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal," adding that "for some reason (Zelenskyy) never does."
Zelenskyy has "lost 30% of your country and you've had over a million people go between the two of them, over 2 million people killed. That's a war that should have never started. And I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president."
The US president also warned Kyiv against targeting Russian oil refineries.
Trump said he had told Zelenskyy to "do what you want" against Russia, but "don't hit refineries."
"He better damn well stop," Trump said.
More to come...
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine will reject calls for leadership change and maintain Zelenskyy's presidency
Likely · Within weeks
The US will avoid public repetition of Trump's comments to prevent alliance strain
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What specific actions Trump expects from a new Ukrainian leader
- Whether Trump's comments reflect official US policy
- How Kyiv will respond to the suggestion of leadership change
