President Donald Trump is urging Ukraine to ease up on attacks against Russia‘s oil refineries, saying the strikes are contributing to a shortage of diesel fuel. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has put renewed attention on attacks against Russian energy facilities as U.S. diesel prices continue to climb, adding pressure on consumers and businesses.
Trump Calls on Zelenskyy to Stop Diesel Refinery Strikes
Trump made the comments while speaking to reporters in Ireland. He called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to avoid targeting Russian facilities that produce diesel while continuing to pursue other military targets.
Trump said the refinery strikes were reducing the amount of diesel available on the global market. He argued that the disruption was hurting countries beyond Russia and Ukraine.
The comments come as Ukraine has increasingly used drones to strike Russian energy infrastructure. Kyiv has argued that Russia’s oil industry helps finance the war and that targeting energy facilities can weaken Moscow’s ability to continue military operations.
U.S. Diesel Prices Reach Record Levels
The issue has gained greater attention as diesel prices in the United States have climbed sharply. Reports citing AAA data said the national average reached about $6.23 per gallon, a record level.
Diesel is widely used by trucking companies, farms, construction businesses and other industries. Higher fuel costs can increase transportation and production expenses, which can eventually affect the prices consumers pay for goods.
Trump has pointed to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an important factor behind the diesel increase. He has also argued that the current fuel pressure is not solely connected to developments in the Middle East.
Ukraine Faces a Difficult Choice
Ukraine has continued attacking Russian energy infrastructure as part of its broader effort to put economic and military pressure on Moscow. Russia has responded with restrictions on some fuel exports, adding to concerns about global supplies.
Trump’s latest comments put the issue at the center of his broader efforts to push toward an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. His administration has continued diplomatic efforts involving both Moscow and Kyiv.
The Ukrainian government has not immediately indicated that it will follow Trump’s request. For now, the refinery attacks remain part of the wider conflict, while rising diesel prices have created another economic challenge for the United States and other countries.
Source : cnbc.com