Trump calls on Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries amidst soaring fuel prices, Politico reports. While on a two-day visit to Ireland, Trump attributed the surge in global fuel prices, especially diesel, to Ukraine's actions rather than his war with Iran.

Trump claimed officials from his administration had urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to avoid targeting diesel fuel, stating, "He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia. Let him go after targets but not diesel fuel, because he's causing a shortage of diesel fuel." The U.S. leader reiterated that the conflict initiated with Iran six months ago is not responsible for the shortfall.

A senior European official familiar with U.S.-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine told Politico that the Trump administration was seeking scapegoats ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The official dismissed the notion that Russian diesel and oil exports were significant for U.S. consumption, stating, "Russian exports of diesel and oil have never been significant for U.S. consumption."

Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries had impacted diesel fuel prices in the United States. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously noted that America was experiencing an "energy shock," partly due to Ukraine's desire to destroy Russian energy assets and refine products.