Trump urges Zelenskyy to stop strikes on Russian diesel infrastructure

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 14, 2026

Photo courtesy: WVLT

DOONBEG, Ireland — U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian infrastructure used to produce and distribute diesel, saying the strikes are contributing to a fuel shortage that is “hurting the world.”

Speaking to reporters Sunday on the sidelines of the Irish Open at his family-owned golf resort in Doonbeg, Ireland, Trump said he had discussed the issue with Zelenskyy.

“Mr. Zelenskyy has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump said.

“We spoke to Mr. Zelenskyy about it. There are plenty of other targets. Don’t hit diesel fuel. That’s hurting the world,” he added.

Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure in recent months.

Kyiv maintains that Russia’s oil industry is a legitimate military target because it generates revenue for Moscow and supplies fuel used in its continuing war against Ukraine.

The attacks have disrupted Russian refining operations and contributed to domestic fuel shortages. Moscow banned diesel exports in July as it sought to protect supplies at home.

Trump blamed the Russia-Ukraine conflict for the diesel crunch, saying the shortage was not caused by developments in the Middle East.

However, international energy data indicates the pressure on diesel supplies has several causes.

The International Energy Agency said net exports of diesel and gasoil from Gulf countries in August were just over a quarter of their levels before the war involving Iran began in February. The agency also said disruptions to Russian refining and sharply reduced product exports following intensified Ukrainian attacks had further tightened global supplies.

In the United States, the national average diesel price climbed above $6 per gallon for the first time last week, according to fuel-price tracker GasBuddy.

Trump’s appeal came as Russia and Ukraine continued trading large-scale drone attacks.

Ukraine said it struck oil facilities in Russia, including a refinery in the Krasnodar region, while Russian forces launched another major wave of attacks on Ukraine, including strikes on the Black Sea port city of Odesa and areas near the Polish border.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has continued for more than four years, with energy infrastructure becoming an increasingly important target for both sides.