Trump, Zelensky to meet as Russian drones blast Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on September 21 that Russia has "lost control" of its diesel industry following Ukrainian strikes that destroyed numerous Russian oil refineries. Trump stated that "a large number of their Diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission." He emphasized the need to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, describing it as "ridiculous and never-ending."

Reuters reported on September 15 that Ukrainian drone attacks had disrupted half of Russia's largest diesel-producing refineries, reducing output and accounting for roughly half of Russia's total diesel production. The strikes contributed to domestic fuel shortages, prompting Moscow to restrict exports of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Russia's diesel production has since partially recovered, though output remains limited.

Trump had previously urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to refrain from targeting Russian diesel infrastructure during a phone call on September 13, citing concerns about global fuel shortages and rising prices. During a subsequent call on September 20, Trump reiterated his request, with a source confirming that "the word diesel came up many times" during the conversation.

Zelenskyy mentioned a planned meeting with Trump in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, which was expected to occur on September 22.

The discussions transpired days after Trump signed significant sanctions legislation targeting Russia, following a bipartisan proposal introduced by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal in April 2025. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, allows the president to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and on countries facilitating evasion of Russian energy sanctions.

The bill also extends existing sanctions against Iran and expands penalties against Russian officials, banks, financial institutions, and the shadow tanker fleet.

The House of Representatives approved the legislation on September 16, and President Trump signed it into law on September 18, officially named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.