US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries and facilities involved in diesel production and distribution. Trump expressed concerns that these strikes are exacerbating a global shortage of fuel. His comments came in the wake of diesel prices in the United States surpassing $6 per gallon, marking a new record high. Trump emphasized that Ukraine should redirect its military focus away from Russian diesel infrastructure to other strategic targets.
Ukraine has stepped up its long-range attacks on Russia’s oil and gas sector, disrupting refining processes and contributing to fuel shortages within Russia itself. In response, Moscow has limited its diesel exports, further constricting the global supply. Complicating matters, the International Energy Agency reports that disruptions in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict involving Iran have compounded the diesel shortage. In August, diesel and gasoil exports from Gulf nations dropped to just over a quarter of their levels before the conflict began.
The Ukrainian government contends that Russia’s energy sector plays a significant role in funding its military operations in Ukraine. Consequently, Ukrainian forces have continued targeting Russian oil facilities, including refineries and storage locations. Meanwhile, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, with recent overnight strikes hitting Odesa and other areas, resulting in casualties and damage to both civilian and energy structures, according to Ukrainian officials.
The conflict has also seen both nations engage in large-scale drone warfare. Over the weekend, Russian officials reported Ukrainian strikes on industrial zones, while Ukrainian authorities noted Russian drone attacks on residential and strategic infrastructure. As the November midterm elections approach in the United States, the rising fuel prices have become a significant concern. Trump’s appeal to Ukraine to refrain from targeting Russian energy infrastructure highlights the growing anxiety over how the conflict is affecting global fuel supplies.