A public disagreement between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has intensified over Russia policy and potential peace negotiations. Trump called for Zelenskyy to be replaced as Ukraine’s leader on Saturday, following a US-Russia agreement permitting Russian diesel sales to global markets. Trump also pressured Zelenskyy to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, stating the Ukrainian leader must “stop” such operations.
Zelenskyy reacted with strong opposition to Trump’s fuel deal with Russia, characterizing it as “terrible” and “not fair and not honest.” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga defended Zelenskyy, noting he has Ukrainian public support and stating that international criticism validates his leadership effectiveness. Trump further claimed, without providing evidence, that Russia sought a settlement but Zelenskyy resisted compromise. Trump indicated Russian leader Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to reach a deal following a Friday phone conversation between them.
International responses varied, with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressing “complete solidarity” with Zelenskyy in a phone call. Burnham reaffirmed UK commitment to strengthening sanctions against Russia and pledged to meet Zelenskyy in person in coming days. Germany similarly stated it would pursue additional EU sanctions against Russia despite the fuel agreement with Washington.
US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have led peace brokerage efforts, may visit Moscow within two weeks according to Russian state media reports. A Ukrainian delegation visiting Miami for war-resolution talks departed Saturday to return home. Russia’s top economic negotiator called Trump’s comments about replacing Zelenskyy “historic” and suggested Trump shared views that Ukraine required leadership focused on peace.
Military operations continued, with Russia’s defence ministry reporting drone strikes on a Kyiv data-processing facility and a cargo vessel near Odesa carrying military supplies. Russia also claimed capture of settlements in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, though Reuters could not independently verify these claims.
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