Trump urges Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian diesel facilities

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries and diesel producers, arguing that the strikes are contributing to a global diesel fuel shortage, BBC News reports.

Trump made the statement during his visit to Ireland. The U.S. president said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should avoid attacking Russian diesel production infrastructure, even though Ukraine could strike other targets, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

“Zelensky needs to do one thing. He needs to stop hitting diesel in Russia. Hit targets, but not diesel, because that is creating a diesel shortage,” Trump said.

The U.S. president also rejected the idea that tensions in the Middle East are the main cause of the diesel shortage on global markets. According to Trump, the situation is primarily being driven by the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“It’s not because of the Middle East, it’s because of what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine. I discussed this with Zelensky. There are many other targets. Don’t hit diesel, because that affects the world,” Trump said.

Global prices for oil and petroleum products have risen in recent months amid the war in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Around 25% of global oil supplies and approximately 20% of liquefied natural gas shipments previously passed through the route.

Russia extended its ban on diesel exports at the end of August until September 30. The measure was introduced on July 8 amid a fuel shortage in Russia, following Ukrainian attacks on refineries and fuel infrastructure.

Russia was previously among the world’s largest diesel exporters, after the United States, according to Reuters. The agency also reported that Russia has lowered its forecast for oil production this year to its lowest level in 17 years.

Photo: White House