U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, September 13, to end military strikes aimed at Russian oil refineries and fuel distribution networks, warning that the campaign is exacerbating a global shortage of diesel fuel.
The request follows U.S. average diesel prices surpassing $6 per gallon on Friday, marking an all-time high. The price spike comes amid growing domestic anxiety over fuel costs as the November midterm elections approach.
Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks against Russia’s oil and gas sector in recent months. The strategy has forced domestic fuel rationing inside Russia and triggered Moscow’s decision to ban diesel exports in July, removing critical supplies from an already squeezed global market.
Global energy markets face further strain from ongoing conflict in Iran, which has choked shipping traffic passing through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to journalists during the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf course in Ireland, Trump addressed whether he had communicated with Zelenskyy following recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Mr. Zelenskyy has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump told reporters.
Trump noted that members of his administration had already conveyed this stance directly to Ukrainian leadership, suggesting Kyiv redirect its strikes toward non-energy infrastructure.
“We spoke to Mr. Zelenskyy about it. There are plenty of other targets. Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting, that’s hurting the world,” he added.