Trump Tells Zelensky to Stop Striking Russian Oil Refineries

Trump’s Direct Order to Zelensky

President Donald Trump publicly demanded that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stop striking Russian oil refineries. This order came on Sunday as diesel prices hit a historic high.

Trump said he had spoken with Zelensky to demand the stop. He made it clear that other targets are available for Ukraine to hit instead.

“We spoke to Mr. Zelensky about it, there are plenty of other targets. Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting the world,” Trump said, according to the Washington Examiner.

The President argued that the current spike is not caused by the Middle East. He blamed the situation on what is happening with Russia and Ukraine. Strikes on refineries were the first notable victory for Ukraine since its 2024 Kursk invasion.

Prices Hit Record Highs Nationwide

Diesel fuel costs have risen sharply across the country. Prices are even higher in states like California, where they hit $8.00 a gallon.

Texas and Florida see cheaper rates at $5.90 per gallon. Iowa stands at $5.80, which is lower due to heavy agricultural use. However, the cost remains a major burden for truckers and families who rely on diesel for transport.

Ukraine’s drone campaign has caused notable economic damage to Russia. Moscow responded with a ban on gasoline and diesel exports. The strikes on other energy targets were far less effective than hitting refineries.

Attacks on Russian Wildberries warehouses caused a backlash. Moscow wiped out a majority of Ukraine’s warehouse capacity in response. This led to widespread shortages in Ukrainian stores and hurt their own people.

If Ukraine ends its strikes on oil refineries, their main success in the war will fade.