In a recent statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries and related facilities, citing these actions as a factor in exacerbating the global fuel shortage. Trump’s comments come on the heels of a spike in diesel prices in the United States, with the national average surpassing $6 per gallon for the first time. He advised Ukraine to redirect its military focus away from Russian diesel infrastructure and towards other strategic targets.
Ukraine’s military strategy has increasingly involved long-range strikes on Russia’s oil and gas sector, which have disrupted refining operations and intensified fuel shortages within Russia. In response, Moscow has implemented restrictions on diesel exports, which has further strained international fuel supplies. The situation is compounded by disruptions in oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a consequence of ongoing conflict involving Iran. The International Energy Agency reports that diesel and gasoil exports from Gulf nations in August plummeted to just over a quarter of their pre-conflict levels.
Despite Trump’s appeal, Kyiv maintains that Russia’s energy industry plays a crucial role in funding its military activities in Ukraine. Consequently, Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian oil facilities, including refineries and storage sites. Meanwhile, Russia has ramped up its military offensives against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, with recent overnight strikes hitting Odesa and other regions, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian and energy infrastructure.
The conflict has also seen an exchange of large-scale drone attacks, with Russia and Ukraine both reporting strikes on each other’s industrial and strategic infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have noted attacks on residential areas, while Russian reports highlight strikes on industrial zones. As the November midterm elections approach in the United States, the issue of rising fuel prices is increasingly significant. Trump’s call for a reduction in attacks on Russian energy infrastructure underscores growing concerns about the war’s impact on global fuel supplies.