Trump urges Ukraine to stop Russian diesel strikes, cites global shortage

Trump's Call to Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure used to produce and distribute diesel, saying the attacks are causing a global shortage. The call came after diesel prices in the United States hit a record on Friday, soaring past $6 a gallon on average. "Mr. Zelensky has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the Irish Open. "We spoke to Mr. Zelensky about it. There are plenty of other targets. Don't hit diesel fuel, because that's hurting, that's hurting the world," he said.

Global Diesel Shortage

The global diesel shortage has been exacerbated by disruptions to Russia's refining system and a near-halt to product exports following intensified Ukrainian attacks. According to a report published by the International Energy Agency, net exports of diesel and gasoil from the Gulf countries in August stood at "just over a quarter" of what they were before the war on Iran began in February.

Detail	Information
Net exports of diesel and gasoil from the Gulf countries in August	Just over a quarter of what they were before the war on Iran began in February
Combined net exports of diesel and gasoil from the Gulf and Russia in February	Accounted for almost 45% of global seaborne trade

Ukraine's Strikes on Russian Oil Infrastructure

Ukraine has been targeting Russia's oil and gas industry with long-range strikes, prompting fuel rationing across the country and causing Moscow to ban diesel exports in July. Kyiv says Russia's oil industry both funds and directly fuels Moscow's more than four-year-old invasion of Ukraine.

Russia's Air Campaign Against Ukraine

Russia has ramped up its air campaign against Ukraine in recent weeks, using ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones to pierce Ukraine's defenses. Moscow's attacks have targeted Ukraine's power grid ahead of winter in what officials say is meant to demoralize civilians.

Recent Attacks and Casualties

Civilians were killed and injured overnight into Sunday as Russia and Ukraine exchanged large-scale drone strikes. Two people were killed and 14 more wounded near an oil and industrial hub in Russia's Tatarstan, according to local officials. Ukrainian authorities reported on Russian drones pummeling the Black Sea port of Odesa and starting a fire near a border crossing with Poland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current state of diesel prices in the United States?

Diesel prices in the United States have hit a record, soaring past $6 a gallon on average.

What is the cause of the global diesel shortage?

The global diesel shortage has been exacerbated by disruptions to Russia's refining system and a near-halt to product exports following intensified Ukrainian attacks, as well as the war on Iran curtailed oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a separate development, Trump announced on Sunday that he plans to remove a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey. "Everybody's been bugging me" to do it, the U.S. President said. "And I said, on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off" of Irish whiskey. The move is seen as a positive step towards reducing barriers to spirits trade, according to Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. The situation remains volatile, with Russia and Ukraine continuing to exchange strikes and the global diesel shortage showing no signs of abating. As the conflict escalates, the international community is watching with bated breath, waiting to see how the situation will unfold. With the mid-term elections in the United States approaching, the issue of fuel prices is likely to become a major campaign topic, and Trump's call to Ukraine is likely to be seen as an attempt to address the issue. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen, and the situation is likely to continue to evolve in the coming days and weeks.