News Summary
Presidential review highlighted.
- US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine needs to elect a new president and accused Volodymyr Zelensky of missing opportunities for talks with Russia.
- Zelensky criticized the US decision to lift restrictions on Russian diesel imports, calling it a weakness that provides Russia with further financial support for its war.
- As hostilities escalate between Ukraine and Russia, 23 people died in Zaporizhzhia and one in Bryansk due to recent attacks.
October 12, Kathmandu – On Saturday, US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to select a new president. He accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of missing chances for negotiations despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interest in reaching a peace agreement to end the war with Ukraine.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after the US government announced on Friday the decision to resume purchasing diesel from Russia. Zelensky opposed the move, stating it would provide Russia with increased funds to continue the war.
Trump also criticized Ukraine’s ongoing attacks on Russian oil refineries, warning that such actions could exacerbate the global fuel crisis.
Ukraine has targeted Russia’s oil facilities, aiming to disrupt Russia’s revenue flow and fuel supply lines for its military.
Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the conflict has persisted since then.
Zelensky: Russia could halt attacks today if it wished
On Sunday, Zelensky posted on social media platform X that if Russia stopped its strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Ukraine would be ready to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries.
He added that although the attacks could stop immediately, Putin does not desire it. He emphasized that easing tensions requires both sides to halt offensives with clear guarantees.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also opposed Trump’s statements, affirming Zelensky has broad support from the Ukrainian people and that leadership selection is a democratic right.
US Lifts Diesel Import Ban on Russia
This year, conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Israel caused fuel prices to surge globally. Meanwhile, the US government lifted the ban on diesel imports from Russia until next April, easing Russia’s ability to sell diesel to the US and other countries.
Zelensky called this step a sign of weakness, arguing that allowing Russia to sell oil and diesel would increase its revenue and support the continuation of the conflict.
No Result from Miami Ceasefire Talks
On October 9, officials from the US and Ukraine held nearly six hours of ceasefire talks in Miami without reaching any substantive agreements. Representatives of Trump, including Jared Kushner and Steve Wittkoff, participated in these meetings.
Zelensky said that despite the Ukrainian team’s efforts toward negotiations, the decision was made to facilitate Russia’s position, and he noted that the lack of pressure on Russia makes ending the war difficult.
US Proposed Economic Offers to Russia
During the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September 2023, economic proposals aimed at achieving a ceasefire between the US and Russia were discussed.
The proposals included providing economic relief to Russia and halting energy-related and maritime attacks. They also included returning some frozen Russian government assets held in Western countries, selling assets of Russian company Lukoil to Middle Eastern investors, and allowing Belarus to sell potash.
Ukraine was not completely opposed to the proposals but stated Russia would pay a high price if it continued to sabotage the war. Ukraine suggested that funds from seized Russian assets be used to support its own efforts.
Escalation in Attacks Between Russia and Ukraine
On Sunday, Ukraine launched a drone attack on the Russian city of Vladimir, shutting down Yandex’s data center — the third such attack in four days.
The strikes affected various services in Russia and even neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Armenia, disrupting banking and taxi booking systems.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia city, a Russian attack killed 23 people, including four children, and injured over 30 others. In Russia’s Bryansk region, a Ukrainian drone attack resulted in one death and injuries to two women. (With agency support)
