Former President Donald Trump has directly linked the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war to current diesel fuel shortages in the United States, calling on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian diesel refineries. Trump stated on September 15, 2026, that these actions are impacting fuel availability worldwide.
"Zelensky has to do one thing — he has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia," Trump said. He emphasized that the current fuel shortages are not originating from the Middle East, but are a consequence of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump's remarks suggest a belief that Ukraine's military strategy involving attacks on Russian energy infrastructure is exacerbating global diesel prices and supply issues.
The former president's comments place direct blame on Ukraine for disruptions in the global diesel market, framing the war's economic impact as a direct result of specific Ukrainian military decisions. This perspective contrasts with explanations that often cite broader geopolitical factors, sanctions, and global demand as primary drivers of energy prices.