Musk Backs Trump's Call to Replace Ukraine's Leader, Says Zelensky 'Has Gone Too Far'

American billionaire Elon Musk has publicly backed US President Donald Trump's criticism of Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The comments come at a time when Washington, according to the source, has reached an agreement with Moscow on diesel fuel deliveries. Musk posted his remarks on the social platform X, which he owns. They matter because public support from an influential American figure for Trump's position may shape the debate over US policy toward Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Musk's comments

Responding to Trump's statement that it was time for Ukraine to change its leader, Musk wrote: “I agree, it is time for Ukraine to replace its leader.” He also commented on a video in which Trump reproached Ukraine for strikes on Russian oil refineries and demanded they stop. Under that video, Musk added that “Zelensky has gone too far”.

In the video, Trump said Zelensky had been told to do what he wanted to Russia but not to attack oil refineries, because it is a global problem. According to Trump, Zelensky nevertheless attacks facilities that produce diesel fuel, and he has to stop it.

Earlier statements and reactions

It was previously reported that Trump claimed Zelensky refuses to conclude an agreement to end the war. He also criticized Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries and said Ukraine needs a different president who would sign a peace agreement with Russia.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, as reported by the news agency UNIAN, said that only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide who will be the country's president. In the Kremlin, by contrast, Trump's remarks were received with satisfaction and described as “significant and historic”.

War background

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has continued since 24 February 2022. The war launched by Russia against Ukraine has lasted since 2014, when Russia occupied Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and began military operations in Donbas.