US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian oil and fuel infrastructure, arguing that the Ukrainian strikes are contributing to a global shortage of refined petroleum, particularly diesel fuel.
"Mr. Zelenskyy needs to do one thing. He needs to stop hitting oil in Russia. Let him hit targets, but not oil, because it's causing a shortage," Trump told reporters during his visit to Ireland.
The US president said that the current problems in the oil market are not primarily related to developments in the Middle East, but to the war between Russia and Ukraine. According to him, Kiev's attacks on refineries and fuel production facilities in Russia are affecting international supplies.
Trump also said he had discussed the issue directly with Zelensky, stressing that Washington did not want Ukraine to continue attacking Russian oil infrastructure. He argued that Kiev had "many other targets" it could strike without affecting oil production.
Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian refineries and energy facilities in recent weeks, aiming to damage one of Moscow's main sources of income and limit fuel supplies to the Russian military. The attacks have also affected Russian fuel production, and Moscow has taken steps to limit diesel exports.
Trump's statements come at a time when international fuel markets are facing severe supply pressures. According to recent reports, the price of diesel in the United States has exceeded $6 per gallon, while supply disruptions from Russia and the Persian Gulf region have added to concerns for global markets.
So far, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not publicly reacted to Trump's latest request.
