Trump Urges Ukraine to Stop Hitting Russian Diesel
US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacking Russian diesel production facilities, arguing that the strikes are worsening a global fuel shortage and pushing diesel prices sharply higher.
Trump Tells Zelenskyy to Halt Refinery Strikes
Speaking during a visit to Ireland, Trump said he had raised the issue directly with Zelenskyy and wanted Ukraine to avoid Russian diesel infrastructure while continuing to pursue other military targets.
Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities in recent months, seeking to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its war effort.
Kyiv maintains that Russian refineries are legitimate military targets because they support Russia’s armed forces and generate revenue for the war.
Russian Fuel Production Hit by Ukrainian Attacks
Repeated Ukrainian strikes have damaged several Russian refineries, reducing fuel production and contributing to shortages inside Russia.
Moscow has extended restrictions on diesel exports as it attempts to protect domestic supplies.
Trump argued that the resulting disruption is now affecting fuel markets beyond Russia and contributing to higher diesel prices internationally.
US Diesel Prices Rise Above $6
Average diesel prices in the United States recently climbed above $6 per gallon, increasing transportation costs for trucks, ships and other commercial operations.
Trump said the diesel surge was being driven significantly by developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict rather than solely by instability in the Middle East.
Global energy markets are simultaneously facing pressure from the Iran conflict, disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and reduced refining capacity.
The International Energy Agency has warned that diesel supplies could remain tight as simultaneous disruptions in Russia and the Middle East place further strain on global fuel markets.
