Harry Archie
US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to elect a new president, accusing President Volodymyr Zelensky of repeatedly missing opportunities to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
Trump made the remarks at the White House on Saturday, arguing that Zelensky had rejected several opportunities to reach an agreement that could end the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“Zelensky could have settled this war many times, and he chose not to. It’s very difficult,” Trump told reporters.
The US president also suggested that Ukraine needed a leader willing to negotiate with Moscow.
“I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal,” Trump said, adding that he believed it was time for Ukraine to elect a new president.
His comments came amid disagreements over the war and the international energy market. Trump recently supported a temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian diesel exports, while Zelensky warned that allowing more Russian fuel exports could provide Moscow with additional revenue to finance its military operations.Trump also criticised Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that such operations could disrupt global fuel supplies and increase costs for American farmers and other businesses.He said he had warned Zelensky against targeting the refineries because of their importance to international diesel supplies.The disagreement highlights the continuing differences between Washington and Kyiv over how to end the war. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and the conflict has caused widespread destruction, civilian casualties and the displacement of millions of people.
Despite several diplomatic efforts, a lasting peace agreement has yet to be reached.
