Trump Calls on Zelenskyy to Stop Attacks on Russian Diesel Facilities

People queue to refuel their cars at a Gazpromneft petrol station on the outskirts of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy on August 6, 2026. Russia -- one of the world's largest oil producers -- introduced a swath of restrictions on petrol sales across the country in June, as Ukrainian strikes on its refineries, depots and logistics crimp domestic supply. Several regions have introduced rationing, while some gas stations and chains have sold out or closed due to a lack of supplies. (Photo by Igor IVANKO / AFP)

By Tom Gantert

Tom Gantert

Tom Gantert is a reporter for The Epoch Times.

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September 13, 2026Updated: September 13, 2026

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U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian diesel fuel as the attacks are causing a global shortage and diesel in the United States has hit a record high.

Trump was asked by a reporter on Sunday if he’d had conversations with Zelenskyy about the issue.

Zelenskyy “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, adding that he had spoken to the Ukrainian president about it. “There are plenty of other targets. Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting, that’s hurting the world.”

Ukraine has targeted Russia’s oil and gas industry for months with long-range attacks and Russia has responded with fuel rationing. In July, Russia banned diesel exports.

Diesel in the United States rose to $6.20 a gallon on average on Sunday, a new record, while regular gas is selling for $4.31 a gallon on average, according to AAA.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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