Driving the news: Trump announced Friday that he had reached a deal with Russia to lift sanctions to allow exports of Russian diesel to the United States and the global energy market.
- Zelensky, who was surprised by the deal made behind Ukraine’s back, attacked the decision and told Axios that it was “neither fair nor honest” and a “sign of weakness” on Trump’s part and a “birthday present” for Putin.
- A U.S. official later told Axios that Trump made the diesel deal after Zelensky ignored a half-dozen U.S. demands to stop attacking Russian oil refineries.
What he says: Trump said Zelensky could have reached an agreement with Russia on several occasions “but he chose not to.”
- “I suggest they choose a new leader who can make a deal,” Trump told reporters Saturday. “…And I think it’s time for Ukraine to have a new president.”
- He said he had asked Zelensky to stop attacking Russian oil refineries and claimed Zelensky’s actions were harming American farmers.
- “He better stop,” Trump said.
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