US president says Ukrainian attacks are driving global fuel shortage and record diesel prices, while dismissing Middle East conflict as primary cause.
US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian diesel-producing facilities, arguing that the strikes are worsening a worldwide fuel shortage and pushing diesel prices higher.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday during a visit to Ireland, where he attended the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort, Trump said he had already raised the issue with Zelenskyy.
“Mr Zelenskyy has to do one thing: He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump stated. “Let him go after targets-but not diesel fuel, because he’s causing a shortage of diesel. Don’t hit diesel fuel because that’s hurting the world.”
Trump Blames Ukraine War for Diesel Price Surge:
Trump insisted the current surge in diesel prices was not primarily the result of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted oil flows from the Middle East. “This isn’t done by the Middle East. This is done by what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine,” he said.
Ukrainian forces have intensified long-range drone and missile attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure in recent months. Kyiv describes these facilities as legitimate military targets because they generate revenue that helps fund Moscow’s war effort. The strikes have temporarily shut down several Russian refineries, reduced domestic fuel production and contributed to shortages inside Russia. In response, Moscow banned diesel exports earlier this year in an effort to stabilise its internal market.
The US national average price for diesel recently climbed above $6 a gallon for the first time, according to tracking data, adding to inflationary pressures. Global diesel supplies have been strained by the combination of reduced Russian output and lower exports from Gulf producers amid the Middle East conflict.
Trump Presses Ukraine to Halt Refinery Strikes:
Trump’s comments come as his administration continues efforts to push for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fifth year. Ukrainian officials have not issued an immediate public response to the latest remarks.
Analysts note that energy markets are being affected by multiple overlapping factors, including the Middle East tensions that have constrained flows through key shipping routes and the cumulative impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refining capacity. Trump, however, has placed the primary responsibility for the diesel shortage on Kyiv’s targeting decisions.
The appeal highlights growing US concern over the economic fallout from the prolonged conflict, even as Washington continues to support Ukraine’s defence against the Russian invasion.