Trump says it's time for Ukraine to get a new president; Kyiv says Ukrainians will decide
Trump told reporters on October 10 that it was time for Ukraine to get a new president, saying Zelenskyy could have settled the war many times. Kyiv's foreign minister said Ukrainians will decide; Elon Musk and the Kremlin's spokesman sided with Trump.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, and Ukrainian law does not allow national elections while it is in force. Trump's remarks followed his October 9 announcement that Russia would supply diesel to American and world markets, a deal Zelenskyy said would help pay for Russia's war. Trump has blamed Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries for high diesel prices; Ukraine says the strikes answer Russian attacks on its energy system and has offered to stop them if Russia stops.
People in this case
Donald TrumpDirectly involved
Volodymyr ZelenskyyDirectly involved
Dmitry PeskovCommented
Elon MuskCommented
Timeline
7 timeline entries on this page. Dates: October 10, 2026 to October 19, 2026
October 2026
Trump says it is time for Ukraine to get a new president
Claim
Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House for a rally in Tennessee, Trump says Zelenskyy could have settled the war many times and suggests Ukraine get a new leader who can make a deal.
[01]Roll Call
Roll Call's Factba.se time-coded transcript of the questions President Trump took from reporters on the White House South Lawn on October 10, 2026, before he left for a rally in Tennessee.
Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 10, 2026 · Roll CallTranscript segments 8-21 (00:00:39-00:03:13)Foreign Minister Sybiha says Ukrainians have the right to decide
Reaction
Andrii Sybiha writes on X that Zelenskyy has the support of the Ukrainian people and that statements from abroad confirm he is doing his job well.
[02]Andrii Sybiha
Ukraine's foreign minister posted this on X on the evening of October 10, 2026, hours after President Trump told reporters it was time for Ukraine to get a new president.
Andrii Sybiha's X post on President Zelenskyy and the right of Ukrainians to decide · Andrii SybihaX post 2108991040510378173Elon Musk agrees it is time for a new Ukrainian leader
Reaction
Replying to a ZeroHedge post about Trump's remarks, Musk writes that he agrees.
[03]Elon Musk
Elon Musk posted this reply on X early on October 11, 2026 (UTC). The ZeroHedge post he answered was headlined: Trump Says "Time For Ukraine To Get A New Leader" After Zelensky Ignored Six Pleas To Stop Refinery Strikes.
Elon Musk's X post agreeing that it is time for Ukraine to get a new leader · Elon MuskX post 2109147413344584047, replying to a post by @zerohedgeKremlin spokesman says Zelenskyy has not shown political will
Reaction
Dmitry Peskov tells RIA Novosti that Trump believes it is time for a new president because Zelenskyy has not taken on the decisions needed to stop the war.
[04]Peskov comments on Trump's remarks about a change of leadership in Ukraine (in Russian)
Russian-language report by Sputnik Kazakhstan, a Russian state media outlet, relaying remarks Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made to RIA Novosti on October 12, 2026.
Peskov comments on Trump's remarks about a change of leadership in Ukraine (in Russian)Article text, quotation attributed to Dmitry Peskov[05]Kremlin claims Trump wants Zelenskyy replaced because he is not making "difficult decisions"
English-language report by Ukrainska Pravda, citing Russian state news agencies, on Dmitry Peskov's October 12, 2026 remarks.
Kremlin claims Trump wants Zelenskyy replaced because he is not making "difficult decisions"Article text, quotation attributed to Dmitry PeskovTrump says he will release the details
Claim
Asked by a reporter who said Trump wanted Zelenskyy out whether he had forgotten that Putin started the war, Trump says he knows the details, will release them at some point, and wants the war ended.
[06]Roll Call
Roll Call's Factba.se time-coded transcript of the questions President Trump took from reporters on the White House South Lawn on October 16, 2026.
Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 16, 2026 · Roll CallTranscript segments 64-66 (00:09:09-00:09:49)Zelenskyy tells NPR the focus should be on ending the war
Reaction
In an interview recorded in Kyiv earlier in the week, Zelenskyy says the idea of replacing him began with Putin and that the focus should be on ending the war, not on him.
[07]NPR
Transcript of a Weekend Edition Saturday segment in which NPR's Joanna Kakissis plays excerpts of her interview with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recorded at his office in Kyiv earlier that week.
Zelenskyy's challenges · NPRTranscript, final exchange on Ukrainian elections and Zelenskyy's political futureTrump says it is time for somebody else to negotiate for Ukraine
Claim
Told that Zelenskyy said he was on the wrong side of history, Trump says Zelenskyy does not know what he is talking about and that it is time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.
[08]Roll Call
Roll Call's Factba.se time-coded transcript of the questions President Trump took from reporters on the White House South Lawn on October 19, 2026.
Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 19, 2026 · Roll CallTranscript segments 40-46 (00:06:56-00:07:54)
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Volodymyr Zelenskyy could have settled the war with Russia many times and chose not to.
What is disputed
Trump made the claim on October 10, 2026, and repeated it on October 19, saying Zelenskyy would have had a much better deal had he listened to him. He did not say which offers Zelenskyy turned down. On October 16, asked whether he had forgotten that Putin started the war, Trump said he knew the details and would release them at some point. Zelenskyy has said only Russia is responsible for the war and that Ukraine is ready to stop striking Russian oil refineries if Russia stops striking Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Sources (4)
- Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 10, 2026 · Roll CallTranscript segments 8-21 (00:00:39-00:03:13)
- Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 19, 2026 · Roll CallTranscript segments 40-46 (00:06:56-00:07:54)
- Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 16, 2026 · Roll CallTranscript segments 64-66 (00:09:09-00:09:49)
- Kyiv pushes back on Trump's call for a new Ukrainian president as drones hit Russian data hub · CNBCArticle text, paragraphs 1-7
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
4 responses. Newest first.
Volodymyr ZelenskyyPresident of UkraineDirectly involvedBefore this statement
NPR's Joanna Kakissis said Trump had once again called for a new president in Ukraine, that Moscow had made the same call, and that Trump had repeatedly raised Ukrainian elections, and asked whether Zelenskyy saw this as an attempt to influence who leads Ukraine. He answered that his one goal was to end the war, that security was the first priority during the war, and that Ukraine had asked for a ceasefire in order to hold elections.
"Because the topic - how to change me - I think it's not the new topic. Putin began it. President Trump also, yes, raised this topic. It's not something new for me. Maybe focus to end the war, not to end me."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Trump says it's time for Ukraine to get a new president; Kyiv says Ukrainians will decide
Full statement and sources
Asked by NPR whether Trump's call for a new president was an attempt to influence who leads Ukraine, Zelenskyy said the idea of replacing him began with Putin, that Trump had also raised it, and that the focus should be on ending the war.
After the statement
Kakissis summed up his answer as ending the war, not him, and said he was continuing to meet European leaders to that end.
Zelenskyy's challenges · NPRTranscript, final exchange on Ukrainian elections and Zelenskyy's political futureWhy this label?
The reference point is President Trump's call for Ukraine to get a new president, first made on October 10, 2026. Zelenskyy does not denounce the call. He says the idea of changing him began with Putin, that Trump has raised it too and that it is not new to him, and he redirects the question: the focus should be on ending the war, not on him. Disputing what the debate should be about, in mild language and without a direct criticism of Trump, is closer to a challenge to the framing than to a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Dmitry PeskovPress secretary to Russian President Vladimir PutinBefore this statement
Sputnik Kazakhstan reported that Peskov told RIA Novosti that Zelenskyy was not showing the political will needed to stop the conflict, and recalled Trump's remarks that Zelenskyy could have settled it many times and that Ukraine needs a new leader who can reach an agreement with Russia.
"Trump said that he believes the time has come for a new president. Why? Because the president of Ukraine has to make very responsible and very difficult decisions to stop this war. Either Zelenskyy takes on that responsibility and shows that kind of political will, or he does not. So far he has not. (Translated from Russian. Original: Трамп сказал, что он считает, что пришло время для нового президента. Почему? Потому что президент Украины должен принять очень ответственные и очень сложные решения для остановки этой войны. Или Зеленский берет на себя такую ответственность, проявляет такую политическую волю, или он этого не делает. Пока он этого не делает)"
Defended or excusedCase context: Trump says it's time for Ukraine to get a new president; Kyiv says Ukrainians will decide
Full statement and sources
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti that Trump believes it is time for a new Ukrainian president because Zelenskyy has not taken on the difficult decisions needed to stop the war.
After the statement
Ukrainska Pravda carried the same remarks in English that morning, citing Russian state news agencies.
Peskov comments on Trump's remarks about a change of leadership in Ukraine (in Russian)Article text, quotation attributed to Dmitry PeskovKremlin claims Trump wants Zelenskyy replaced because he is not making "difficult decisions"Article text, quotation attributed to Dmitry PeskovWhy this label?
The reference point is President Trump's October 10, 2026 call for Ukraine to get a new president. Peskov explains the call and backs its reasoning. After saying Trump believes it is time for a new president, he asks why and answers that the Ukrainian president has to make very difficult decisions to stop the war, then gives his own verdict that so far Zelenskyy has not. Supplying the reason for the call and saying Zelenskyy fails that test argues the call is justified, which goes beyond reporting what Trump said, so we labeled it as defending the call.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Elon MuskChief executive of SpaceX, posting on his X accountBefore this statement
Musk was replying to a ZeroHedge post from October 10 that reported Trump's call for a new Ukrainian leader and said Zelenskyy had ignored six pleas to stop refinery strikes.
"I agree, time for Ukraine to get a new leader"
Defended or excusedCase context: Trump says it's time for Ukraine to get a new president; Kyiv says Ukrainians will decide
Full statement and sources
Replying to a ZeroHedge post about Trump's remarks, Elon Musk wrote that he agreed it was time for Ukraine to get a new leader.
After the statement
Musk's reply consists of this sentence, addressed to the @zerohedge account.
Elon Musk's X post agreeing that it is time for Ukraine to get a new leader · Elon MuskX post 2109147413344584047, replying to a post by @zerohedgeZeroHedge's X post on Trump's call for a new Ukrainian leaderX post 2108971356549161211Why this label?
The reference point is President Trump's October 10, 2026 call for Ukraine to get a new president. Musk replies to a post reporting that call and writes that he agrees. Clear approval of what is under scrutiny supports this label even without a detailed argument, so we labeled it as defending the call; the post adds no condition or reservation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Andrii SybihaMinister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, in a post on his X accountBefore this statement
Earlier on October 10, President Trump told reporters at the White House that Zelenskyy could have settled the war many times and that it was time for Ukraine to get a new president. Sybiha's post opens by saying Zelenskyy leads the nation in a war for independence, freedom and dignity.
"He has the support of the Ukrainian people, and they have the right to decide. Statements from abroad only confirm that he is doing his job well. He deserves support."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Trump says it's time for Ukraine to get a new president; Kyiv says Ukrainians will decide
Full statement and sources
Ukraine's foreign minister wrote that Zelenskyy has the support of Ukrainians, that they have the right to decide, and that statements from abroad confirm he is doing his job well.
After the statement
The next day, Zelenskyy wrote that Ukraine would be ready to stop striking Russian oil refineries if Russia stopped striking Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Andrii Sybiha's X post on President Zelenskyy and the right of Ukrainians to decide · Andrii SybihaX post 2108991040510378173Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 10, 2026 · Roll CallTranscript segments 8-21 (00:00:39-00:03:13)Kyiv pushes back on Trump's call for a new Ukrainian president as drones hit Russian data hub · CNBCArticle text, paragraphs 1-7Why this label?
The reference point is President Trump's October 10, 2026 call for Ukraine to get a new president. Sybiha answers it without naming Trump or criticizing the call directly. He disputes its premise that Zelenskyy has failed: he writes that Zelenskyy has the support of Ukrainians, that statements from abroad only confirm he is doing his job well, and that Ukrainians have the right to decide. Rejecting that description of Zelenskyy, without an express criticism of the call itself, fits a challenge to the characterization better than a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(10)
Original text
Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 10, 2026
Relevant passage: Transcript segments 8-21 (00:00:39-00:03:13)
About this source
Roll Call's Factba.se time-coded transcript of the questions President Trump took from reporters on the White House South Lawn on October 10, 2026, before he left for a rally in Tennessee.
- Author
- Roll Call Factba.se
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
ZeroHedge's X post on Trump's call for a new Ukrainian leader
About this source
ZeroHedge posted this on X on October 10, 2026, with a link to its article on Trump's remarks. Elon Musk's reply of October 11 (UTC) answers this post.
- Author
- ZeroHedge
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Kyiv pushes back on Trump's call for a new Ukrainian president as drones hit Russian data hub
Relevant passage: Article text, paragraphs 1-7
About this source
Report on the responses of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to President Trump's October 10, 2026 remarks.
- Author
- CNBC
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Zelenskyy's challenges
Relevant passage: Transcript, final exchange on Ukrainian elections and Zelenskyy's political future
About this source
Transcript of a Weekend Edition Saturday segment in which NPR's Joanna Kakissis plays excerpts of her interview with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recorded at his office in Kyiv earlier that week.
- Author
- Scott Simon and Joanna Kakissis, NPR
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Kremlin claims Trump wants Zelenskyy replaced because he is not making "difficult decisions"
Relevant passage: Article text, quotation attributed to Dmitry Peskov
About this source
English-language report by Ukrainska Pravda, citing Russian state news agencies, on Dmitry Peskov's October 12, 2026 remarks.
- Author
- Ukrainska Pravda
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Peskov comments on Trump's remarks about a change of leadership in Ukraine (in Russian)
Relevant passage: Article text, quotation attributed to Dmitry Peskov
About this source
Russian-language report by Sputnik Kazakhstan, a Russian state media outlet, relaying remarks Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made to RIA Novosti on October 12, 2026.
- Author
- Sputnik Kazakhstan
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Elon Musk's X post agreeing that it is time for Ukraine to get a new leader
About this source
Elon Musk posted this reply on X early on October 11, 2026 (UTC). The ZeroHedge post he answered was headlined: Trump Says "Time For Ukraine To Get A New Leader" After Zelensky Ignored Six Pleas To Stop Refinery Strikes.
- Author
- Elon Musk
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Andrii Sybiha's X post on President Zelenskyy and the right of Ukrainians to decide
About this source
Ukraine's foreign minister posted this on X on the evening of October 10, 2026, hours after President Trump told reporters it was time for Ukraine to get a new president.
- Author
- Andrii Sybiha
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 19, 2026
Relevant passage: Transcript segments 40-46 (00:06:56-00:07:54)
About this source
Roll Call's Factba.se time-coded transcript of the questions President Trump took from reporters on the White House South Lawn on October 19, 2026.
- Author
- Roll Call Factba.se
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Transcript of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters before his Marine One departure, October 16, 2026
Relevant passage: Transcript segments 64-66 (00:09:09-00:09:49)
About this source
Roll Call's Factba.se time-coded transcript of the questions President Trump took from reporters on the White House South Lawn on October 16, 2026.
- Author
- Roll Call Factba.se
- Published
- Accessed
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- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Trump says it's time for Ukraine to get a new president; Kyiv says Ukrainians will decide
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/trump-ukraine-new-president-zelenskyy
The Dispute Index. "Trump says it's time for Ukraine to get a new president; Kyiv says Ukrainians will decide". First published: 2026-10-21. Last updated: 2026-10-21. https://disputeindex.com/cases/trump-ukraine-new-president-zelenskyy