Donald Trump Urges Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Replacement
Trump said Ukraine needs a different negotiator as his clash with Zelenskyy deepened.
7 left3 center6 right
Updated Oct 19, 9:00pm ETBoth sides, every morning
The day’s biggest stories and how each side covered them. Free.
What happened
President Donald Trump said Ukraine should have someone else negotiate with Russia, arguing that President Volodymyr Zelensky should have settled the war earlier. Trump said he would do anything to end the war, even if Zelensky were not involved. The dispute comes during Russia’s invasion, as strikes hit Ukrainian cities and Ukraine depends on U.S. intelligence, weapons and communications support. Trump defended sanctions relief and a Russian diesel deal as ways to lower fuel prices, end the war and secure a hostage. Zelensky said Washington is pressuring Ukraine toward a Russia-friendly settlement. Ukraine says U.S. warnings and satellite service have been disrupted; U.S. officials deny deliberate restrictions. Zelensky is expected to meet U.S. negotiators.
How each side covered it
From the left
Left-leaning outlets framed Trump as reviving ties with Moscow while pushing pressure away from Russia and onto Ukraine. The New York Times said his moves showed a drive to normalize relations with Moscow while undercutting Ukraine. The Boston Globe emphasized fears that reduced support could weaken Ukraine’s fight and push it toward capitulation.
From the right
Right-leaning outlets led with Trump’s view that Zelensky had become a barrier to ending the war. The New York Post cited Trump saying Ukraine needed a new negotiator rather than Zelensky at the table. The Washington Examiner highlighted warnings that limiting Ukraine’s capabilities while easing pressure on Russia shifts leverage in Moscow’s favor.
Headlines
Left7
HuffPost · 23hTrump Says Russia's Been 'Fine On Ukraine' As He Rips Zelenskyy
Daily Beast · Oct 19Trump Sells Out Ukraine in Unhinged White House Meltdown
Boston Globe · Oct 19Trump is pushing Ukraine to surrender to Russia, Zelensky says - The Boston Globe
PBS NewsHour · Oct 19Trump escalates clash with Zelenskyy as Russia continues deadly attacks on Ukraine
Raw Story · Oct 19Scrambling Trump blasts Zelensky after waiving Russia sanctions: ‘How does that help?’
Center3
Right6
Daily Mail · 22hZelensky 'pleads with Senate for help' as Trump calls to replace him
Washington Examiner · Oct 19Trump calls on ‘somebody else’ to negotiate for Ukraine with Russia
Washington Times · Oct 19U.S. ties with Ukraine hit new low as Trump slights Zelenskyy and eases up on Russia
Epoch Times · 23hStarlink Slowdown, Interrupted Intel Feeds, and Energy Strikes Fuel Trump–Zelenskyy Rift
Washington Examiner · 23hZelensky tries to hold on as Trump pressures him to concede
Also today
All of today's stories →- 1Riots Sweep Across FranceBalancedBalanced117articles
- 2President Trump Announces East Potomac ClosureLeft & CenterLeft & Center49articles
- 3Elon Musk Pledges Children SpaceX SharesCenter & RightCenter & Right48articles
- 4Balanced43articles
- 5Balanced31articles
- 6Balanced28articles

