Trump Urged Zelensky to Halt Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries, FT Reports

According to the Financial Times, US President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Sunday phone call to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, reportedly repeating the word "diesel" multiple times. The reported appeal reflects US concern that strikes on Russian refining capacity could tighten global diesel supply and push up fuel prices. The call is the latest in a series of contacts between Washington and Kyiv over the conduct of the war, which has seen Ukraine repeatedly target Russian energy infrastructure with drones and missiles. Neither the White House nor the Ukrainian presidential office has publicly confirmed the specifics of the conversation as reported. Separately, Polish outlet Wirtualne Media reported that several television broadcasters boycotted Trump coverage following a ban imposed on three newsrooms, though it is unclear whether that development is directly connected to the phone call. The reports together point to mounting pressure on Kyiv from Washington over its energy-war strategy, even as political tensions around Trump's media relations continue in Europe.

Global Impact

Economically, a pause in refinery strikes would loosen one of the tightest links in the global energy chain, easing diesel and heating-oil prices that have run hot since 2022 and softening inflation pressure in Europe and emerging markets. Politically, the reported US appeal exposes a rift in war aims: Washington prioritizing fuel-price stability while Kyiv sees refinery hits as a low-cost way to degrade Russian war funding.