Trump Urges Zelenskyy to Halt Strikes on Russian Refineries Over Diesel Shortage Concerns

US President Donald Trump pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a Sunday phone call to halt Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, according to the Financial Times, which cited people familiar with the call. Trump expressed concern that the attacks are exacerbating a global diesel shortage and pushing up fuel prices. In a social media post, Trump said Russia has "lost control" of its Diesel Oil Industry due to the war, noting that a large number of Russian diesel refineries have been blown up and are at least temporarily out of commission. The call comes amid ongoing Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which have disrupted refining capacity. In a separate development, Ukraine reported that Russia attacked an industrial facility in Kryvyi Rih, injuring two people. The report did not specify when the call took place beyond Sunday, nor did it detail Zelenskyy's response to Trump's request.

Global Impact

The exchange highlights the growing intersection of the Ukraine war and global energy markets, with US political pressure potentially altering Ukraine's military targeting strategy. If Ukraine reduces strikes on Russian refineries, global diesel supply could stabilize, easing inflationary pressures but potentially allowing Russia to sustain war funding through energy exports.