Ukraine's Sybiha: Zelensky has people's support, foreigners have no right to decide

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded on October 10 to US President Donald Trump's call for a change in Ukrainian leadership, firmly defending President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Sybiha defends Zelensky

Sybiha posted on X that Zelensky leads the Ukrainian nation through a war for independence, freedom, and dignity. He stressed that the president enjoys the support of the Ukrainian people, and that it is the people who have the right to decide — not foreign leaders.

"Statements from abroad only confirm that he is doing his job well. He deserves support," Sybiha wrote.

Trump's prior statement

Earlier on October 10, Trump told reporters in Maryland that Ukraine needs a new president capable of making a deal with Russia. The remark sparked immediate diplomatic pushback from Kyiv, with Sybiha's response being the most direct.