Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel, citing global shortage

Washington, D.C. — During a press conference on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease missile strikes on Russian oil refineries and related facilities that produce and distribute diesel fuel. He made this appeal amid a global shortage of diesel, which caused prices to soar in the United States to an all-time high of over $6 per gallon, as reported on Friday.

The escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led Ukraine to target Russia's oil and gas sector with extended-range missiles. This action triggered fuel rationing within Ukraine and caused Russia to prohibit diesel exports in July, further exacerbating the already strained global market.

The current crisis in fuel availability is being compounded by the disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has reduced oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, another critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The President was questioned by a reporter about whether he had already discussed the matter with Zelenskyy following his recent dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump responded affirmatively, stating that Zelenskyy must take immediate action: "Mr. Zelenskyy has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia."