Trump calls for a halt to bombing amid fears of World War III

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries and diesel infrastructure, arguing that the strikes are worsening a global fuel shortage as energy prices climb.

Trump’s Demand

Speaking in Ireland on September 13, Trump called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt attacks against Russian facilities producing and distributing diesel fuel.

Trump said Ukraine could continue targeting other military objectives but should avoid Russian diesel infrastructure, arguing that disruptions were contributing to shortages affecting consumers internationally.

 

 

 

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His comments came after the average U.S. diesel price surpassed $6 per gallon, reaching a record level as fuel markets faced disruptions from multiple conflicts.

Trump specifically attributed much of the global diesel shortage to the Russia-Ukraine war, while other analyses point to disruptions associated with the conflict involving Iran and restricted Middle Eastern oil shipments.

Ukraine’s Campaign Against Russian Refineries

Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks against Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities, arguing that the petroleum sector supports Russia’s military operations.

The strikes have reduced Russian refining capacity and contributed to fuel shortages inside Russia, prompting Moscow to restrict diesel exports and further tightening international supplies.

Reuters reported that Russia has also lowered its oil-production forecast to a 17-year low while revising expectations for fuel exports during 2026 and 2027.

Ukrainian officials maintain that Russian energy infrastructure can constitute a legitimate military target because Moscow continues attacking Ukraine’s power systems, logistics networks and other critical infrastructure.

The Global Diesel Problem

The International Energy Agency has warned that diesel and gasoil markets are facing significant supply pressure, with disruptions affecting major exporting regions simultaneously.

According to the IEA data cited by AP, combined diesel and gasoil exports from Gulf countries and Russia previously represented nearly 45% of global seaborne trade.

Gulf exports have subsequently fallen sharply, while damage to Russian refineries has further reduced available supplies, creating additional pressure on international fuel markets.

The conflict involving Iran has also disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, adding another major source of uncertainty for global energy markets.

 

 

 

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Strikes Continue Despite Calls For Restraint

Trump’s appeal did not immediately stop the attacks. Ukraine continued striking Russian energy-related targets while Russian forces simultaneously maintained attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure.

On September 15, Reuters reported that Russia attacked Ukrainian petrol stations and infrastructure while Ukraine struck a Russian refinery in the Samara region.

Ukraine has indicated that it could pause attacks on Russian territory if its international partners secure a credible Russian commitment to stop attacks against Ukrainian critical infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine wanted concrete proposals from its partners, emphasizing that any reduction in attacks would need reciprocal Russian action rather than unilateral restraint.

What About Fears Of A Wider War?

The graphic accompanying the viral claim suggests that fears of World War III are growing, but Trump’s September remarks were specifically focused on fuel supplies and the Ukraine conflict.

Nevertheless, the broader security environment remains tense. Russian drone activity has recently approached NATO territory, prompting additional concern among neighboring European governments and the alliance.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Russian attacks near the Polish border demonstrated increasing risks and pledged stronger support for Ukraine and enhanced defenses along NATO’s eastern flank.

 

 

 

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A Fragile Diplomatic Moment

Trump has also claimed that Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop attacking one another’s energy infrastructure, but Kyiv said it needed additional guarantees before implementing such a pause.

Russia welcomed calls to stop attacks on economic infrastructure, while continuing military operations across Ukraine, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that both sides continued energy strikes despite Trump’s announcement, illustrating the difficulty of translating diplomatic statements into operational ceasefires.

The immediate dispute therefore extends beyond military strategy: it also involves fuel supplies, international energy markets and competing claims about which factors are driving higher prices.

For now, there is no confirmed comprehensive ceasefire. Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging attacks, while Washington pushes for limits on energy strikes and broader diplomatic efforts remain underway.