'Russia has lost control': Trump flags diesel crisis, calls for end to Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease strikes on Russian oil refineries, linking the attacks to a tightening global diesel market and rising fuel prices. Trump expressed his concerns over the situation in a post on Truth Social, stating that Russia had "lost control" of its diesel industry due to the war, with several refineries damaged and temporarily out of commission.

Trump further urged an end to what he described as a "ridiculous and never-ending" war, emphasizing that the global community is suffering as 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are killed each month. The remarks were made a day before Trump was scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following the scheduled call, Ukraine's officials confirmed that the meeting would take place on Tuesday.

During the call, Trump reportedly focused on the issue of diesel fuel, urging Zelenskyy to halt drone and missile attacks on Russian refineries. A senior Ukrainian official participating in the conversation revealed that Trump was "very worried" about the escalating diesel prices and desired Russian supplies to reach global markets.

Trump had previously made a similar plea on September 13, asking Zelenskyy to stop targeting diesel fuel in Russia, stating that there were other viable targets besides fuel. The Kremlin welcomed Trump's appeal, with a Kremlin spokesman stating that Moscow could only support the cessation of attacks on civilian economic infrastructure. The spokesman also noted that Russia believes the disruption in global energy markets is primarily caused by instability and renewed escalation in the Gulf region.