US President, Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to elect a new president, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries amid rising diesel prices ahead of US elections.

Trump made the remarks on Saturday while speaking to reporters at the White House, where he accused Zelensky of disregarding his warning against targeting Russian oil facilities.

The US president said he had told Zelensky that Ukraine could continue its military operations against Russia but should avoid striking oil refineries.

“I told him, ‘Do what you want’ against Russia, but ‘don’t hit refineries,’” Trump said.

Expressing further displeasure over the attacks, Trump warned Zelensky to stop the strikes, adding that he believed Ukraine needed a new leader willing to reach an agreement to end the war.

“He better damn well stop,” Trump said.

The remarks signal renewed tensions over Ukraine’s military strategy as Kyiv continues its war against Russia and Washington weighs its approach to the conflict.

Trump’s criticism also comes amid concerns over rising diesel prices in the United States ahead of elections, with the president linking his objection to the refinery strikes to their potential impact on fuel costs.