When a reporter raised the issue of a diesel‑fuel deal with Russia, US President Donald Trump used the moment to criticize Ukraine’s wartime leadership. He said that Zelensky had numerous opportunities to end the conflict but deliberately chose not to.
Trump stated: “Zelensky could have ended this war many times. Very, very many times. But he decided not to. It's all very complicated.” He framed the Ukrainian president as having repeatedly missed chances to stop the fighting.
Trump also said he had asked Zelensky to stop Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that such attacks create global issues and create problems for the world and American farmers.
” He linked the need for new leadership to Zelensky’s conduct in the war.
Trump concluded: “And I think it's time for Ukraine to choose a new president now.” He linked the need for new leadership to Zelensky’s conduct in the war.
The remarks were made on October 10, 2026, in response to a journalist’s comment about a diesel fuel deal with Russia.