Trump warns Zelensky over strikes on Russian refineries and says Ukraine needs a new leader

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday. He demanded an end to Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries and said the country should find someone else to lead it.

Remarks at the White House

Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House. He argued Zelensky has had plenty of chances to strike a peace deal with Russia but keeps passing on them.

The president said he had personally warned Zelensky against hitting Russian refineries. He claimed Ukraine went ahead regardless and said it had "damn well better stop."

Trump went further. "I suggest [Ukraine] get a new leader who can make a deal," he said.

Blame for Biden

He also faulted former President Joe Biden. Trump said the war that started in 2022 happened because of Biden's "incompetence" and would never have begun on his own watch.

Diesel prices

The refinery strikes have helped push diesel costs higher worldwide. They are not the only factor though. Fighting between the United States and Iran in the Middle East has also lifted prices.

A rocky history

The two leaders have clashed before. Last year a meeting in the Oval Office turned tense when Trump and Vice President JD Vance said Zelensky was not thankful enough for American aid. A journalist present also took a jab at his outfit. Zelensky has often worn military-style outfits instead of a suit since the war began.

In December Zelensky asked the U.S. for 50 years of security guarantees. Trump's latest comments suggest he has little interest in that request.