United States President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop striking Russian diesel infrastructure, arguing that the attacks are responsible for a global fuel shortage and rising prices rather than the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump made the remarks on Sunday while speaking to reporters during a trip to the Republic of Ireland, calling on Kyiv to redirect its targeting away from Russian diesel production.
The appeal comes as diesel prices in the United States reached an all-time high, placing financial pressure on American households and businesses ahead of November's midterm elections. Because diesel powers ships, trains and trucks that move goods internationally, higher fuel costs are being passed on to consumers worldwide.
The dispute also highlights a broader tension between Washington's diplomatic priorities and Ukraine's military strategy, with Kyiv maintaining that Russia's oil industry directly funds and fuels Moscow's invasion.
"Mr. Zelenskyy has to do one thing: he has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia," Trump said. "We spoke to Mr Zelenskyy about it. There are plenty of other targets. Don't hit diesel fuel. That's hurting the world."
Trump also rejected the idea that the Middle East conflict was driving the price increase, stating that the rise in diesel costs "isn't done by the Middle East, this is done by what's happening with Russia and Ukraine."
A wave of long-distance Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries in recent months has reduced Russia's fuel production, triggering petrol shortages across the country. Ukraine, which faces regular Russian strikes on its own energy infrastructure, says refineries are legitimate military targets and that Russia's oil industry both funds and directly fuels Moscow's more-than-four-year-old invasion of its neighbour.
Oil prices globally have risen since the US and Israel launched a war on Iran in February, disrupting the flow of oil from the region, including through the Strait of Hormuz, and causing a global energy crisis. Around one-fifth of the world's oil passes through the strait in peacetime.
The price of diesel hit an all-time high in the US on Friday, reaching a national average of $6.06 a gallon ($1.60 per litre), according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), which tracks daily prices. A year ago, diesel cost $3.71 a gallon ($0.98 per litre).
Crude oil prices crossed the $100-per-barrel mark last week for the first time since July, with Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbing as high as $109 at one point. The International Energy Agency, in a monthly report published on September 11, said both conflicts were affecting diesel supplies, noting that "the disruptions to Russia's refining system and a near-halt to product exports following intensified Ukrainian attacks have compounded these losses."
Trump said he had already raised the matter directly with Zelenskyy, but no confirmation of a change in Ukrainian targeting policy has been announced. Kyiv continues to describe refineries as legitimate military objectives, and it remains unclear whether the appeal will alter its operational approach. Further developments are awaited as fuel prices continue to weigh on consumers ahead of the US midterm elections.
Brent crude nears $97 as tanker attacks deepen global supply fears and push US fuel costs higher
Trump administration talks could open 17 crude fields to American producers under a lease model
S&P 500 rallies toward all-time high while Brent crude tumbles amid conflicting US-Iran diplomacy signals
Energy giant reports $9.84 billion in Q2 earnings as crude price surges and LNG trading gains offset Middle East operational damage
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!