Kyiv, Sept. 13 (SANA) US President Donald Trump on Sunday urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russia’s diesel infrastructure, saying the strikes were contributing to a global fuel shortage after US diesel prices reached record levels.
Ukraine has for months targeted Russia’s oil and gas sector with long-range strikes, prompting fuel restrictions inside Russia and a ban on diesel exports in July. The disruptions have added pressure to global diesel supplies, which were also affected by reduced oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Iran conflict.
Fuel prices have become a concern for US consumers ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Trump said he had raised the issue with Zelenskyy after being asked about his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Mr. Zelensky has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump told reporters during the Irish Open at his golf club in Doonbeg, Ireland.
“There are plenty of other targets. Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting the world,” he added.
Kyiv has defended its strikes on Russia’s energy sector, saying the industry helps finance and supply Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.
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