Trump Urges Zelenskyy to Halt Russian Fuel Facility Strikes, Blames Attacks for Global Diesel Crisis

United States President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian diesel infrastructure, warning that the strikes are worsening fuel shortages and driving up prices worldwide. 

Trump made the appeal on Sunday, September 13, 2026, while speaking to reporters during his visit to the Irish Open. His comments came amid a sharp increase in diesel prices in the United States and growing concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies.

The American president specifically criticized Ukraine’s campaign against Russian oil refineries and diesel-producing facilities. He argued that the attacks were affecting fuel availability beyond the battlefield and placing additional pressure on consumers and businesses around the world.

Trump’s intervention comes as Ukrainian forces continue to target Russia’s energy infrastructure using long-range drones. Kyiv regards the facilities as strategically important because petroleum revenues help finance Moscow’s military operations against Ukraine.

The attacks have reportedly disrupted Russian fuel production and contributed to shortages in parts of the country. Russia has also introduced measures restricting fuel exports in an effort to protect domestic supplies amid the pressure on its refining industry.

However, the wider international diesel crisis cannot be attributed solely to Ukraine’s strikes. Energy analysts have pointed to the war involving the United States and Iran, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and instability along major shipping routes as significant factors affecting global fuel supplies.

The International Energy Agency has warned of serious pressure on global diesel and gasoil markets. Supplies from Russia and Gulf countries—previously responsible for a substantial share of international trade in these products—have been affected by the wider geopolitical crisis.

The impact has been particularly visible in the United States, where the national average price of diesel reportedly climbed above $6 per gallon in September. The increase has raised concerns about higher transportation costs, food prices and additional pressure on businesses dependent on fuel-powered vehicles and machinery.

For Ukraine, however, halting attacks on Russian refineries could carry significant military and economic consequences. The strikes have become an important tool for weakening Russia’s energy sector, disrupting fuel supplies and reducing the resources available to support its war effort.

Trump’s request therefore presents a difficult strategic question for Kyiv: whether to scale back attacks on Russian fuel infrastructure in response to international economic concerns or continue targeting facilities it considers vital to Russia’s military capabilities. There was no immediate indication that Zelenskyy had accepted the appeal.

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, the dispute highlights the growing connection between military operations, energy security and the cost of living worldwide. While a reduction in attacks could ease some pressure on fuel markets, experts caution that the broader global energy crisis is being driven by multiple conflicts and supply disruptions.