Trump Urges Zelenskyy to Halt Strikes on Russian Diesel Refineries as Global Fuel Crisis Deepens

 

 

 

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U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian diesel refineries, arguing that the attacks are worsening a global fuel shortage and creating broader economic pressure.

Trump made the remarks on September 13 while speaking to reporters during his visit to Doonbeg, Ireland, where he was attending the final round of the Irish Open at his golf resort.

He said Ukraine could continue targeting other Russian sites, but should avoid facilities tied to diesel production. Trump also said he had raised the issue directly with Zelenskyy in recent discussions.

The comments mark a notable intervention in Ukraine’s long-range strike campaign, which has increasingly targeted refineries, storage sites, and other energy infrastructure that Kyiv says supports Russia’s war effort.

Ukraine has defended those attacks as legitimate measures against facilities that generate revenue and supply fuel for Moscow’s military operations. Zelenskyy has repeatedly praised Ukrainian forces for striking energy-related targets inside Russia.

In early September, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had hit refineries in Ryazan and Perm, as well as energy and military-related facilities in several other Russian regions during expanded long-range operations.

The pressure on Russian refining has had measurable consequences. Moscow extended a ban on diesel exports through September 30, saying the restriction was needed to stabilize its domestic fuel market amid shortages and refinery outages.

Reuters reported that several Russian refineries remained offline after repeated Ukrainian drone attacks. Russia, normally one of the world’s largest diesel exporters, had already seen product exports fall sharply before the latest extension.

Trump linked those disruptions to high fuel costs, but the global diesel squeeze has multiple causes. Energy markets are also struggling with severe supply disruptions from the Middle East and constrained shipping routes.

The International Energy Agency said Gulf diesel and gasoil exports fell dramatically in August, while intensified Ukrainian attacks pushed Russian refined-product exports close to a standstill, tightening an already stressed international market.

According to the IEA, combined net diesel and gasoil exports from Russia and Gulf producers were about 1.6 million barrels per day lower in August than they had been in February.

That decline matters because the same suppliers previously represented a large share of seaborne diesel trade. Refiners elsewhere have increased production, but limited spare capacity makes replacing missing volumes difficult.

U.S. diesel prices have consequently climbed to extraordinary levels. The IEA reported American diesel values above $200 per barrel in early September, while retail prices moved above $6 per gallon.

High diesel prices can quickly spread through the wider economy because trucks, farms, construction equipment, shipping operations, and industrial businesses rely heavily on the fuel to move goods and operate machinery.

The Trump administration is also examining domestic responses. Reuters reported that the White House has considered using the Defense Production Act to support expansions or efficiency improvements at existing U.S. refineries.

No final decision on that proposal had been announced. Refiners reportedly told administration officials that upgrading or expanding existing facilities could be more practical than attempting to build major new refineries from scratch.

Trump’s request places Kyiv in a difficult strategic position. Striking Russian energy infrastructure gives Ukraine a way to impose economic costs on Moscow far beyond the immediate front lines.

At the same time, Washington remains a crucial political and military partner for Ukraine, meaning public pressure from the U.S. president could influence how Kyiv weighs future targeting decisions and diplomatic priorities.

The dispute is unfolding as the war continues to intensify. Russia has expanded drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukraine has increased long-range strikes against targets deep inside Russian territory.

For now, there is no clear indication that Kyiv will abandon its refinery campaign. Trump’s intervention instead highlights how the Russia-Ukraine war is increasingly colliding with global energy security and consumer prices.