German minister accuses Trump of 'moral bankruptcy' over Ukraine

Germany's Education Minister Karin Prien has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump following a call he made for a change of president in Ukraine, and after he struck a deal to buy Russian diesel. 

"For a few litres of diesel. What moral bankruptcy," Prien posted on the X platform on Saturday evening, commenting on an article in the German media about Trump's remarks.

The US president had earlier claimed that Zelensky had chosen not to end the war in Ukraine despite having had several opportunities to do so. He concluded that "I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," he said.  

Trump accused Zelensky of contributing to the diesel shortage through attacks on the Russian energy sector.

Previously, Zelensky sharply criticized an agreement between the US and Russia to lift sanctions on the sale of Russian diesel, allowing Moscow to supply diesel to the global market with the aim of lowering high fuel prices. 

"Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in the war, which must be ended, not prolonged," the Ukrainian president argued.

Russia invaded its neighbour more than four and a half years ago, and its leader, Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly rejected offers of an unconditional ceasefire. Subsequent diplomatic initiatives have also come to nothing. 

The Ukrainian constitution does not permit elections in times of war.