Trump says it is "time for Ukraine to get a new president" after Zelenskyy criticises the diesel deal
Trump said on Saturday that it was time for Ukraine to get a new president, after Zelenskyy called the Russian diesel deal a weak decision and a gift to Putin (BBC, AP, Politico, Sky News, Reuters, GOV.UK, FinancialJuice). Trump said Zelenskyy should stop attacks on Russian refineries and hold an election. Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram that Russia "thanked" the US by bombing homes in Zaporizhzhia. Reuters reported seven killed, the Straits Times at least 12 including three children, and Kyiv said 15. The UK said it would intensify sanctions; Germany said it would keep its sanctions; negotiators met in Miami.
A US president calling for a change of leader in an allied country in wartime is highly unusual, and it comes as Washington eases pressure on Moscow. Europe, including Ireland, must decide how closely to follow.
Ireland backs EU sanctions on Russia. A split between the US and Europe over sanctions could affect energy prices and the EU's approach to the war.
The White House argues that cheaper fuel and a negotiated end to the war serve US interests.
Ukraine and European governments argue that easing sanctions rewards Russia while it keeps attacking cities.
The death toll differs by report, which is common in the first day. The substantive question is whether the EU and UK hold the line on sanctions while Washington loosens.
DailyDrop Ireland edition No. 7 · Morning · SUN., OCT. 11, 2026