‘Diesel, diesel...diesel’: Why is Trump pressing Zelensky over Russian oil attacks? US fears explained

US President Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday to urge Kyiv to stop attacking Russia's oil refinery centers, warning it could worsen the global diesel shortage and price increase, according to the Financial Times. The White House sources say Trump's concern was the rising diesel prices, as he believed Russian oil should reach global markets to alleviate the situation.

Zelensky acknowledged the call was "important" and said talks between the two leaders could lead to significant changes, though the next meeting is expected to happen on Tuesday. The US isn't worried about Russia losing oil revenue but is concerned about the potential impact on the global refined-fuel market, specifically diesel, since Russia is a major exporter of refined petroleum products.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates Russia has around 6.5 million barrels per day of refining capacity and historically ranks third among refined petroleum producers. Russian refining output has dropped by nearly 30% year-over-year due to Ukraine's strikes. The IEA reported that global seaborne diesel/gasoil exports averaged 4.7 million barrels per day in the first eight months of 2026, a 10% year-over-year decline.

Russian and Middle Eastern diesel exports have also decreased significantly due to the ongoing conflicts. On Sunday, more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones targeted Russia amid the parliamentary elections, resulting in two deaths and 20 injuries in Moscow. Moscow's mayor called it the "largest ever" drone attack on the city, with the city's oil refinery sustaining damage.

Zelensky shared a video of the damage caused, calling Russia's oil facilities "billions of dollars that sustain the war machine." Russia hasn't commented on Trump's call, but Putin is unlikely to agree before winter, when he plans to launch a major aerial assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.