Trump Calls for Zelensky to Be Replaced: “It’s Time for Ukraine to Get a New President”

"I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal, because he could have made many deals and for some reason he never does," Trump told reporters outside the White House.

Trump argued that Ukraine had suffered heavy territorial and human losses during the conflict.

"You've lost 30% of your country," he continued. "That's a war that should have never started. And I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president."

The remarks followed Trump's announcement of a deal to purchase Russian diesel, which Zelensky criticised as 'not fair and not honest', comparing it to a birthday gift for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The agreement was announced as US and Ukrainian representatives held talks in Florida over a possible deal to end the conflict.

The negotiations were originally scheduled to continue for a second day, but Saturday's discussions were reportedly cancelled. No official reason was given for the early conclusion.

Zelensky has opposed holding elections during the conflict. Ukraine has remained under martial law since February 2022, with elections prohibited under the current legal framework.

The Ukrainian president has previously said elections could take place if adequate security guarantees were provided. His last electoral victory came in 2019, while his five-year term expired in 2024.