Trump Tells Ukraine's Zelensky to Stop Hitting Russian Diesel

By Reuters Sep. 13, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop targeting Russian diesel infrastructure. Ukraine Presidency/ZUMA Press Wire/TASS U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop targeting Russian diesel infrastructure, saying the attacks were causing a shortage of the fuel that is “hurting the world.” A wave of long-distance Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries in recent months has reduced that country's fuel production, triggering gasoline shortages across the country. Ukraine, which faces regular Russian attacks on its own energy infrastructure, says refineries are legitimate military targets. The U.S. national average price for diesel, which is used by trucks, trains, ships and farm equipment, rose over $6 a gallon for the first time on Thursday, according to price tracker GasBuddy. “Mr. Zelensky has to do one thing: He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump told journalists during a visit to the Irish Open, which is being held in the west of Ireland on a golf course owned by his family. “We spoke to Mr. Zelensky about it. There are plenty of other targets. Don't hit diesel fuel. That's hurting the world,” he said. The global shortage “isn't done by the Middle East, this is done by what's happening with Russia and Ukraine,” Trump added. Russia downgraded its oil output forecast for this year to a 17-year low and revised its fuel exports outlook for 2026 and 2027 due to the war, according to a government draft forecast seen by Reuters. Read more about: Trump , Zelensky , Energy Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Trump and Zelensky to Meet as Kyiv Presses for Tomahawks Trump has remained vague on whether he will provide Ukraine with the long-range missiles it seeks. 3 Min read Trump Softens on Zelensky, Says Mineral Deal Coming 'Soon' Trump has repeatedly made the false claim that Ukraine started the war and this week accused Zelensky of responsibility for "millions" of deaths. 2 Min read Trump Says Zelensky Ready for Talks With Russia, U.S. Minerals Deal During his address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump read aloud from a letter he said he had received from Ukraine's Zelensky. 2 Min read Zelensky Warns Russia Will ‘Wage War’ on NATO Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes Russia is preparing to "wage war" against a weakened NATO should President Donald Trump dilute U.S. support... 2 Min read