# Trump says Ukraine needs new president as Russia diesel deal draws scrutiny

By Token Post

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/regulation/30640
Published: 2026-10-12T23:40:33.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-12T23:40:33.000Z
Section: Regulation

> Trump's call for new Ukrainian leadership and a Russia diesel deal have raised concern over U.S. policy toward the war, with Hal Kemfer pointing to doubts over supply, pricing and congressional fallout.

U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that Ukraine needs a new president have raised questions about a possible shift in Washington's position on the Russia-Ukraine war. The comments came after a diesel deal with Russia that has added to concerns in Ukraine and among European allies.

In an Oct. 11 interview on LiveNOW from Fox, Trump was said to have argued that it was time for Ukraine to get a new president. Hal Kemfer, a retired Marine intelligence officer, national security analyst and host of the Strap podcast, said the remarks showed relations between Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky had reached a "low point."

Kemfer said the recent U.S.-Russia diesel agreement effectively blindsided the Ukrainian negotiating team. Ukraine views the deal as a financial boost for Russia, with proceeds that could be used to fund the war against Ukraine, he said.

The 300,000 tons of diesel Russia is set to supply to the U.S. may sound large, Kemfer said, but it is roughly equal to one day of U.S. consumption. He also cited Sweden's prime minister as questioning whether Russia could supply the diesel at all, given that its refining capacity has been hit by at least 40%.

Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have also been effective, according to Kemfer. He said Ukraine has significantly weakened Russia's oil facilities and refining capability, and that while Ukraine would support a mutual energy ceasefire with Russia, Moscow has shown no interest.

Kemfer offered a different explanation from Trump for higher U.S. diesel prices. He said elevated diesel prices in the U.S. were a direct reaction to developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, rather than Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. Any Russia-related effect would be "very tertiary," he said.

Putin's willingness to strike the deal was attributed to Russia's need for cash. "Putin's looking for money. Putin's desperate for money," Kemfer said, adding that he was not surprised Russia would agree to sell diesel to the U.S.

Trump's call for new Ukrainian leadership could also raise institutional questions. Kemfer said Ukraine cannot hold an election under its current constitution while under martial law, and would have to change the constitution to do so.

Looking ahead, Kemfer said the key signals will come from what Secretary Rubio, the vice president and Republican leaders say or do not say publicly. He said strong support for Ukraine remains in Congress, including within the GOP, and the issue could become a bipartisan debate.