Donald Trump Says Ukraine Strikes on Russia Refineries Are Driving Up Diesel Prices, Calls on Volodymyr Zelensky To Stop

US President Donald Trump on Sunday, September 13, blamed Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries for the sharp rise in diesel prices and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop targeting Russian fuel facilities.

“Zelensky has to do one thing — he has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump said at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, New York Post reported. His comments came as the US national average for diesel reached a record USD 6.06 per gallon, according to recent AAA data. Donald Trump’s USD 5,000 Dividend Pledge Draws Bribery Charge as US Debt Tops USD 40 Trillion.

US Diesel Prices Reach Record High

The national diesel average has climbed above its previous record of USD 5.82 per gallon, recorded in June 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As recently as March, the average US diesel price was below USD 4 per gallon.

Diesel is particularly important to the wider US economy because it powers big-rig trucks, farm equipment, trains and large ships. Higher diesel costs can increase transportation and production expenses, potentially feeding into prices for consumer goods. Donald Trump Says Iran War To End After US Midterm Elections.

Trump rejected the idea that the Middle East was responsible for the latest increase. “This isn’t done by the Middle East, this is done by what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine.”

Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure

Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil and gas industry refineries in recent months as part of efforts to disrupt a major source of revenue for the Kremlin and put pressure on Moscow's war effort. Those attacks have contributed to disruptions in Russia's fuel market, including a ban by Moscow on diesel exports.

The global fuel market has also faced pressure from attacks on refineries in the Gulf by Iran and its allies. According to CNBC, the combined disruptions have contributed to an 8% drop in global diesel supply, while US refineries are already operating at about 98% capacity.

Trump Urges Zelensky To Choose Other Targets

Trump said he had spoken with Zelensky and argued that Ukraine should avoid targeting diesel fuel facilities. He said there were alternative targets available to Kyiv. Trump said that he’s talked to the Ukrainian president, and that there’s “plenty of other targets,” emphasizing that the US does not want Kyiv targeting diesel fuel facilities.

“Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting the world,” Trump added. The comments reflect Trump's concern that attacks on Russian energy infrastructure could have consequences beyond the war zone by tightening global fuel supplies and increasing prices.

Kyiv Defends Strikes On Russian Energy Sector

Kyiv has defended its long-range strikes against Russian oil and gas facilities, arguing that the attacks target the financial resources that help fund Moscow's military campaign. Ukraine says the long-range strikes against Russia’s oil and gas funds and directly fuels Moscow’s invasion of its neighbor.

Ukraine has increasingly used long-range weapons to target Russian energy infrastructure as it seeks to reduce Moscow's ability to finance and sustain its war effort.

Diesel Costs Could Affect Consumers

Unlike gasoline, diesel is used extensively in commercial transportation, agriculture and industrial activity. A sustained increase in diesel prices can therefore affect businesses well beyond the fuel sector.

Higher operating costs for trucking and other forms of freight transportation can eventually be passed on through supply chains, potentially increasing the prices of goods. The record US diesel price comes as energy markets face pressure from disruptions linked to the Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2026 10:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).