Trump blames Zelensky for world fuel problem, calls for leadership change

Donald Trump, former president of the United States, addressed the press at Andrews Air Force Base on October 11. He placed responsibility for the current global diesel shortage on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that Zelensky’s actions have created a "world problem" for fuel.

Trump referenced a newly‑signed diesel arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin that will deliver over 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States. He claimed that if Ukraine wants to resolve the crisis, it must hold a presidential election and install a new leader capable of cooperating on energy issues.

The comments came amid ongoing Ukrainian offensives and Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, which both sides cite as part of a broader strategy to weaken each other's economies.