Trump blames Zelenskyy.
According to Russian media reporting on October 10, U.S. President Trump told journalists: “I think it’s time for Ukraine to elect a new president.” He directly accused Zelenskyy of creating trouble for the world, stating that the Ukrainian leader had multiple opportunities to resolve the conflict but chose not to pursue mediation. Trump also demanded that Ukraine refrain from targeting Russian oil refineries.
The core logic behind Trump’s remarks lies in transactional diplomacy and prioritization of electoral interests. First, he implies that the prolongation of the war stems from Kyiv’s lack of cooperation. Second, weakening Ukraine serves the purpose of lowering domestic diesel prices in the United States. The potential U.S.-Russia diesel agreement reflects a clear motive: stabilizing fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections has become a political necessity. Third, the call for a presidential change represents the ultimate strategy to force surrender. Zelenskyy’s perceived unwillingness to compromise has become an obstacle; Trump appears to seek a Ukrainian leader capable of securing a deal—effectively one willing to accept unfavorable ceasefire terms. What is labeled as “mediation” is, in reality, a utilitarian calculation: pressuring Ukraine to negotiate, then exchanging concessions for political gains.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878685697266699/
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