Trump Defends American Interests, Urges Ukraine to Stop Destabilizing Global Diesel Market
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During his visit to Ireland, President Donald Trump called on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil facilities, highlighting how these strikes are fueling a surge in diesel prices. A European official, however, tried to shift blame away from Kyiv and onto the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump, standing firm in defense of American consumers and energy security, told reporters on Sunday that Ukraine must stop its reckless drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refineries. Speaking from his Doonbeg golf course in County Clare, Ireland, Trump pointed out that these attacks are directly responsible for the spike in global diesel prices, which is hurting hardworking families and businesses. Trump explained that his administration had asked President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to avoid targeting diesel-producing sites, making it clear that the current shortage is not a result of the United States’ confrontation with Iran.
"Mr Zelenskyy has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia," Trump said, putting America’s interests first. "Let him go after targets but not diesel fuel, because he’s causing a shortage of diesel fuel."
The president stressed that the price surge is tied to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, not Middle Eastern oil disruptions. He reiterated that the U.S. had communicated this reasonable request to Kyiv, suggesting Ukraine could pursue other military targets without harming the global economy.
A senior European official involved in U.S.-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv, speaking anonymously, attempted to deflect responsibility from Ukraine, accusing the Trump administration of seeking a scapegoat before the November midterm elections. The official downplayed the importance of Russian diesel exports to the U.S. and referenced Trump’s assertion that America is capable of supplying its own energy needs.
"This administration is blaming Ukraine because they do not know what to do with their war [in Iran]," the official claimed, ignoring the real impact of Ukraine’s actions on global markets.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have previously supported Trump’s position, linking Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure to the diesel shortage. The European official called for a reciprocal ceasefire, demanding that Russia also stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news service that Moscow would not pause its operations during negotiations, insisting that Russia remains open to talks but will continue its “special military operation.”