The Ukrainian government rejected Donald Trump's request, the former President of the United States, for a new president to come to power in this country. Andriy Sybiha, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, wrote on the social media platform X that Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, enjoys widespread support from the people, and they have the right to decide their own fate. Sybiha added: “The statements made from abroad only confirm that he is doing his job well and deserves support.
Kyiv's shock at Trump's statements
In recent days, Trump has called for a new president in Ukraine, claiming that Zelensky has had multiple opportunities to end the war but has refrained from doing so. He said: “I think it’s time for Ukraine to have a new president.” According to him, Ukrainians should seek a new leader who can reach an agreement to end the war.
Read more: Marco Rubio: Horrific attacks on Saudi Arabia must be stopped immediately
Meanwhile, the reality is that Ukraine did not initiate this war, and Russia, as the main aggressor, attacked its neighboring country more than four years ago. Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin leader, has repeatedly rejected proposals for an unconditional ceasefire, and diplomatic initiatives have not yielded results.
International reactions to Trump's request
Following the publication of Trump's request, Paul Ronzheimer, a reporter for the German newspaper "Bild," reported from Kyiv that Zelensky's advisors were shocked by the news. One of Zelensky's close advisors told Ronzheimer that they knew Ukraine would be in the spotlight during the U.S. election campaign, but they did not expect such statements. Their main concern is that Trump may end intelligence cooperation with Ukraine.
On the other hand, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the Chair of the European Parliament's Defense Committee, also reacted to Trump's request, stating: “Regarding the leadership of Ukraine, only Ukrainian men and women decide in free elections, not the White House or the Kremlin.”
Britain has also supported Zelensky, with the Prime Minister expressing his unconditional solidarity with him. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia. In this context, Zelensky has repeatedly expressed his readiness for direct dialogue with Putin but has firmly rejected invitations to travel to Moscow.
In response to Trump's statements about Russian diesel, Zelensky emphasized that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in the war, and this war must end, not be prolonged. He also warned that any reduction of sanctions against Russia is a clear sign of weakness and will benefit that country.
Read more: Shahbaz Sharif: Pakistan continues to mediate between Iran and the U.S. · Democrats criticize Trump's decision to buy fuel from Russia
