Trump Pushes Zelenskyy to End Ukraine War Amid Soaring US Fuel Costs, Midterms Looming

Former US President Donald Trump is ratcheting up pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, publicly urging him to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and even suggesting new leadership for Kyiv. This dramatic push comes as Americans grapple with soaring fuel prices, turning the conflict and its economic fallout into a critical issue just weeks before the pivotal 2026 US midterm elections. Trump's latest statements, reported by CBS News correspondents Charlie D'Agata and Natalie Brand, intensify a deepening feud between the two leaders. Trump's recent actions include signing a major sanctions bill against Russia, only to then issue an executive order waiving many of those restrictions, citing 'national interests' and a desire to keep Moscow at the negotiating table. He also announced a controversial deal for Russia to supply diesel to global markets, hoping to bring down high domestic fuel prices that have become a liability for his Republican Party. However, experts doubt the deal's effectiveness, while Zelenskyy has openly criticized Trump's moves, accusing the US of limiting intelligence sharing and delaying vital military supplies amid continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. With US retail diesel prices exceeding $6 a gallon and crude oil hitting $110 a barrel in October, the economic strain is palpable. The November 3, 2026, midterms will serve as a national referendum on the current administration's economic policies and approach to global conflicts. Observers are keenly watching for Ukraine's response to Trump's direct appeals and how this escalating diplomatic rift might reshape US foreign policy and the ongoing war's trajectory. Will this shift in US posture embolden Russia or force a new chapter in the conflict?