US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to stop targeting Russian diesel infrastructure.
Trump said the Ukrainian strikes were contributing to fuel shortages and rising prices around the world. He made the comments during a visit to the Irish Open in Ireland.
The remarks add another layer of pressure on Kyiv as Ukrainian forces continue long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities.
Trump Blames Russian Diesel Strikes for Fuel Shortages
Trump said Zelenskiy should avoid attacking Russian facilities that produce diesel.
He argued that Ukraine has other possible military targets and warned that attacks on diesel infrastructure are affecting global fuel supplies.
Trump also said the current global shortage was linked to the Russia-Ukraine war rather than the conflict in the Middle East.
His comments came as diesel prices in the United States moved above $6 per gallon.
Ukraine Targets Russian Oil Infrastructure
Ukraine has repeatedly used long-range drones to strike Russian refineries and other energy facilities.
Kyiv argues that Russian oil infrastructure supports Moscow’s war effort. Ukraine also faces regular Russian attacks on its own energy system.
The strikes have reduced Russian fuel production and contributed to shortages inside the country. Russia has also taken measures to protect domestic fuel supplies, including restrictions on some fuel exports.
US Diesel Prices Rise Above $6
The dispute comes as fuel markets face significant pressure.
The US national average price for diesel recently climbed above $6 a gallon, according to GasBuddy data cited by Reuters.
Diesel plays a critical role in transportation, farming, shipping and other industries. Therefore, higher prices can increase costs across the wider economy.
However, other reports have pointed to the conflict involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz as major factors behind the global diesel shock.
Russia Cuts Oil Forecast
Russia has also revised its energy outlook.
A Russian government draft forecast seen by Reuters showed a downgrade in the country’s oil production expectations for the year.
The forecast also revised expectations for Russian fuel exports in 2026 and 2027 because of the war.
As a result, disruptions to Russian refining capacity could have wider effects on international energy markets.
Kremlin Welcomes Trump’s Call
The Kremlin has welcomed Trump’s appeal to Ukraine.
Russian officials supported the idea of protecting economic infrastructure, particularly oil refineries.
Moscow has also faced domestic fuel shortages after repeated Ukrainian attacks on its energy facilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was interested in measures that could stabilize its domestic fuel market.
Zelenskiy Seeks Reciprocal Energy Truce
The situation has since moved toward discussions about a possible pause in attacks on energy infrastructure.
Zelenskiy has said Ukraine could stop strikes on Russian territory if Moscow also agrees to stop attacking critical Ukrainian infrastructure.
He has stressed that Ukraine needs a clear commitment from Russia rather than a one-sided arrangement.
That position could create room for further negotiations while both countries continue to exchange attacks.
Trump Russian Diesel Pressure Highlights Energy Stakes
Trump’s intervention shows how the war is increasingly affecting global fuel markets.
For Ukraine, Russian refineries remain important targets because they support the country’s war economy. For Washington, however, disruptions to fuel supplies are creating economic and political concerns.
The debate over Trump Russian diesel comments therefore extends beyond the battlefield.
It now involves fuel prices, energy security and the wider economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine war.
As negotiations continue, attacks on energy infrastructure are likely to remain a major point of disagreement between Kyiv, Moscow and Washington.
