Russia 'lost control' of its diesel industry due to Ukraine's attacks, Trump says ahead of Zelensky meeting

On September 21, U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Russia has lost control of its diesel production sector due to the ongoing war with Ukraine. He made these remarks ahead of a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York, where they were expected to discuss a possible mutual suspension of strikes against energy infrastructure and Black Sea targets.

Trump claimed that numerous Russian refineries had been destroyed and are currently non-operational, stating that the entire world is suffering as a result of the conflict.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil depots and refineries throughout the war in an effort to pressure Moscow's economy and hinder its war capabilities. In response, Russian forces have attempted to destroy Ukraine's energy grid via drone and missile strikes, leading to frequent power outages across the country. Trump had previously blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for the increased cost of diesel fuel.

However, experts interviewed by the Kyiv Independent disputed this claim, stating that there is insufficient evidence to support it and that rising fuel prices are primarily due to the U.S.-Iran war. Ukraine has expressed its willingness to agree to an energy truce, contingent upon Russia adhering to the agreement. The Kremlin acknowledged Trump's proposal for a pause in energy strikes as a "very good idea" but attached it to additional conditions, specifically the lifting of sanctions against Russia.