Donald Trump said Ukraine should replace its president after Volodymyr Zelensky criticized a U.S.-Russia agreement to allow Russian diesel exports.

The comment came as Zelensky warned the deal would funnel money to Moscow to fund its war effort. He called the arrangement a "gift to Putin" and urged allies to block it.

Trump made the remarks outside the White House on Saturday, telling reporters Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world" by authorizing attacks on Russian refineries. He added Ukraine needed "a new leader who can make a deal."

The U.S. and Russia announced a temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April. The agreement would permit up to 3 million tonnes of diesel to enter global markets, including 300,000 tonnes initially.

Zelensky rejected the move, stating it would generate new revenue for Russia to purchase weapons. He held discussions with allies on Saturday, stressing the need for "real decisions to protect lives in Ukraine" and European security.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced support for Zelensky during a call with the Ukrainian president, agreeing Russia must agree to an "immediate energy ceasefire" to halt attacks on shipping in the Black Sea.

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas echoed Zelensky’s concerns, stating the suspension "provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war." She confirmed European foreign ministers would approve the largest sanctions package against Russia since the invasion began.

The diesel deal follows months of disrupted global fuel supplies. The conflict in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s actions in Iran, led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. Russia and Ukraine have also intensified attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure, worsening market instability.

Russia’s diesel production fell by an estimated 30% over the past year due to Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries. The country experienced two major fuel shortages as a result.

The U.S. average diesel price stands at $6.28 per gallon, up from $5.94 last month and $3.68 a year ago. The new arrangement would allow Russia to export diesel in phases, contingent on the operational status of its refineries.

Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s 2022 invasion, suspending national elections. The war’s economic ripple effects, including inflation driven by high fuel costs, have impacted public sentiment in the U.S. and Europe.

Trump described Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev’s reaction to the deal as "iconic and historic," with Dmitriev stating Ukraine needs leadership "focused on peace."

The situation remains fluid, with European officials preparing new sanctions while diplomatic channels continue to address energy and security concerns.