Trump pressures Zelensky: Stop attacking Russian refineries, "It's all diesel, diesel, diesel."

Trump urged Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian energy facilities in Ukraine, citing concerns that these attacks would drive up diesel prices.

On September 21, reports citing sources indicated that Trump called Zelensky on Sunday, urging Ukraine to halt its drone and missile strikes against Russian oil refining facilities, arguing that the attacks were exacerbating global diesel supply shortages and driving up oil prices. A senior Ukrainian official involved in the call stated that Trump repeatedly emphasized the core message of "diesel, diesel... diesel."

According to CCTV News, on September 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he spoke with US President Donald Trump that day, and the two agreed to hold a meeting in New York. Zelenskyy said that this meeting "could bring about important changes," and that the diplomatic process is currently underway.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Zelenskyy posted on social media on the evening of the 20th that the peace process is a priority for Ukraine. During Trump's special envoy Witkov and son-in-law Kushner's recent visit to Ukraine, the two sides held detailed discussions on "key details." Regarding measures to de-escalate the situation, as well as "fundamental security issues" such as energy, food security, and protecting the lives of the Ukrainian people, Ukraine has some ideas and is working with the US team. Ukraine is willing to take concrete measures.

Diesel prices become a political burden for Trump

Soaring diesel prices are becoming a source of political pressure for Trump ahead of the midterm elections. Damage to energy infrastructure caused by the Middle East wars, coupled with the ongoing supply disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has pushed U.S. diesel prices to historic highs.

On September 21, Bloomberg reported that data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed that the national average price of diesel in the United States had risen to $6.505 per gallon, breaking the $6.50 mark for the first time. The report also stated that a recent assessment by the Kyiv Economic Institute (KSE Institute) in Ukraine concluded that the impact of the Middle East war on global diesel and oil and gas supplies is significantly greater than that of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its attacks on Russian energy facilities. According to reports from Global Times, citing Sky News, the Associated Press, and other media outlets, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated on the 20th that Moscow had suffered its "largest attack to date." Volodymyr Zelenskyy subsequently posted on social media platform X that the Ukrainian long-range strikes on the Moscow region the previous night had "had a very significant impact," and indicated that a major Russian oil industry facility and logistics infrastructure had been hit.

There has been no substantial progress on the energy ceasefire agreement.

The non-attack principle on energy facilities was once seen by Trump as a breakthrough to de-escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

On Monday, September 14th, Eastern Time, according to Xinhua News Agency, US President Trump said on social media that Russia and Ukraine have agreed not to attack each other's energy targets. "Ukraine has agreed not to attack Russian energy targets, and Russia has agreed in return not to attack Ukraine," he said. He added that "the rise in global diesel prices is primarily due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, not Iran."

In response, Zelenskyy stated on the evening of September 14th local time that Ukraine is prepared to cease its attacks on Russia if its partners can ensure that Russia will not attack Ukrainian energy facilities, infrastructure, and food supply routes. According to CCTV International News, he said that de-escalating measures on critical infrastructure issues could be a first step towards peace, and he looked forward to concrete solutions from his partners.

However, Ukraine subsequently continued its attacks on Russian energy facilities. Zelenskyy reportedly confirmed on social media platform X that Ukrainian defense forces had struck the Sizlan oil refinery in Russia's Samara region. The refinery is located approximately 75 miles west of Samara and 466 miles southeast of Moscow.

According to reports, Ukrainian officials stated that a formal energy ceasefire agreement has not yet been reached between Russia and Ukraine, and Trump's statement was "premature." Russia has also not yet given a clear response to Trump's efforts to push for an energy ceasefire.

With diesel prices continuing to rise, the link between energy supply pressures and the Russia-Ukraine conflict has become a further focus of Trump's attention and a key reason for urging Ukraine to stop attacking Russian energy facilities.

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