LAST UPDATE | 3 hrs ago

US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump has urged Ukraine to replace Volodymyr Zelensky with a new leader, lashing out at him for strikes on Russian oil refineries that have contributed to pre-election high diesel prices.

Trump told reporters at the White House that he had told Zelensky to “do what you want” against Russia, but “don’t hit refineries.”

“He better damn well stop,” Trump said, before adding that he thinks “it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president” who will agree to end the war.

It comes as Germany said it would continue to push for new EU sanctions against Russia despite Moscow’s agreement with Washington to release diesel to ease a fuel crunch.

“The German government sticks to its measures sanctioning Russia and is working jointly with its European partners on new sanctions,” government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement sent to AFP.

Major backer Germany’s “support for Ukraine in its struggle to defend itself remains unfailing”, he added.

“Diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution continue.”

Moscow has been hit with waves of sanctions by the United States and partners since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump said on social media Friday after talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin: ”Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel to the American and global marketplace.”

The Kremlin said Russia “reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and oil products to the American and world markets.”

The deal came weeks before key US elections where Trump’s Republican Party risks losing its grip on Congress as voters express frustration over the mounting cost of living.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said deadly Russian strikes on Ukraine Saturday were Moscow’s “thanks” for a diesel deal agreed with the United States, deepening his criticism of the agreement.

“Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia,” Zelensky said in a post on X.