Britain backs Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Donald Trump calls for new Ukrainian leader

Britain has publicly reaffirmed its support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after US President Donald Trump called for a new leader in Kyiv following a row over an American deal to purchase Russian diesel.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting insisted on Sunday that it is for the Ukrainian people alone to choose who leads their country, describing Zelenskyy as a courageous leader of integrity. His comments follow Trump’s statement outside the White House on Saturday that "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president" who could strike a peace deal, accusing Zelenskyy of prolonging the war and driving up global fuel prices by ordering strikes on Russian oil refineries.

The clash erupted after Washington agreed to lift sanctions on Moscow to purchase 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel, with further shipments planned as US consumers face rising energy costs ahead of November’s midterm elections. Zelenskyy condemned the deal as a gift to Vladimir Putin, stating it would fund Russia's military campaign. Shortly after the announcement, Russian forces dropped five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia, an attack Zelenskyy linked directly to the easing of sanctions.

Why the US struck a diesel deal with Russia

Rising energy costs in the US, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran as well as the war in Ukraine, have put significant domestic pressure on Trump. High fuel prices have hit American consumers hard, particularly in agricultural states like Iowa, Kansas, Texas and Ohio.

Under the agreement outlined by Trump, Russia will supply an initial 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and an additional one million tonnes shortly after, with up to three million more planned over a longer period.

Streeting acknowledged the political context behind Washington's move, pointing out that Trump faces cost-of-living pressures ahead of the midterms. However, former strategic defence review co-author Gen Sir Richard Barrons warned that the purchase would directly assist Moscow, stating that funds from Russian oil and gas pay for the missiles and drones targeted at Ukraine, leading to further Ukrainian deaths.

How Britain plans to respond

Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Zelenskyy on Saturday to reiterate Britain's "complete solidarity" and agreed to meet the Ukrainian leader in person in the coming days. Downing Street confirmed the UK will maintain its sanctions against Russia and push for an immediate energy ceasefire.

Streeting made clear that London views Russia as the sole aggressor in the conflict and confirmed the UK would seek to mediate between Washington and Kyiv. He noted that public disagreements between the two nations have happened before and said the UK government's responsibility is to bring allies back together to preserve Western unity against Moscow.

Streeting also addressed separate security issues, stating the UK is not currently considering offensive operations against Houthi forces following a strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 12 people and injured more than 300, though Britain continues to provide air defence and refuelling support to Saudi Arabia.