Former President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease targeting Russia's diesel refineries, asserting that these strikes are contributing to a global diesel shortage and driving up prices.
Trump made these remarks on Sunday while attending the Irish Open at his golf club in Doonbeg, Ireland. He told reporters that while Ukraine can continue to target other sites within Russia, it should avoid hitting its diesel infrastructure.
"Zelensky has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia," Trump said. "Let him go after targets, but not diesel fuel because he's causing a shortage of diesel. This isn't done by the Middle East. This is done by what's happening with Russia and Ukraine."
He added that he had already discussed the issue directly with Zelenskyy, stating, "So we spoke to Mr. Zelensky about it. There are plenty of other targets. Don't hit diesel fuel because that's hurting the world. We don't want him to hit diesel fuel. He's hitting diesel refineries."
Trump's comments come as Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russia's oil and gas infrastructure with long-range strikes. These attacks are part of Kyiv's strategy to disrupt revenue and fuel supplies supporting Moscow's war effort. The strikes have reportedly led to rationing in parts of Russia and prompted a ban on diesel exports by Moscow in July.
These disruptions have also added pressure to global diesel supplies, which have already faced strain due to reduced oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. In the United States, diesel prices had climbed above an average of $6 per gallon by Friday, reaching a record high.
Russia has intensified its aerial attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, employing ballistic missiles and drones. Concurrently, Ukraine has continued its operations targeting sites within Russia. Both Russian and Ukrainian officials reported another round of large-scale drone attacks overnight into Sunday, with casualties reported on both sides.