Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published September 21, 2026
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, saying damage to Russia’s refining network is contributing to pressure on diesel supplies and fuel prices.
Trump said Russia had “lost control” of its diesel oil industry because of the war with Ukraine, arguing that damage to Russian refineries was contributing to disruptions in the international fuel market.
The comments come as the global diesel market faces tighter supplies and higher prices, with disruptions linked not only to the Russia-Ukraine war but also to wider instability in the Middle East.
Russian Refineries Targeted
Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to strike Russian energy infrastructure, arguing that oil refineries and related facilities support Moscow’s military operations.
The attacks have affected Russian refining capacity. Reuters reported that several of Russia’s major diesel-producing refineries significantly reduced or halted production during September following drone strikes.
The resulting disruption has increased pressure on Russia’s domestic fuel market and contributed to restrictions on some fuel exports.
Russia remains one of the world’s major oil producers, meaning prolonged disruptions to its refining system can have consequences beyond its borders.
Diesel Prices Rise Globally
The developments have coincided with a sharp increase in diesel prices in major markets.
Global diesel prices have reached record levels as energy supplies have been disrupted by several conflicts and production constraints. The Russia-Ukraine war is one factor, while instability involving Iran and disruptions affecting major oil-producing and shipping regions have also contributed to market pressure.
Higher diesel prices have consequences for transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and shipping because diesel is widely used to move goods and operate heavy machinery.
In the United States, rising diesel costs have placed additional pressure on trucking companies and other businesses that depend heavily on the fuel.
Trump Calls for an End to the War
Trump has connected the fuel-market problems to his broader efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
He has previously urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian diesel-producing facilities while continuing military operations against other targets.
Trump has argued that the refinery strikes are contributing to fuel shortages and higher prices while making diplomatic efforts to end the war more difficult.
The Kremlin has welcomed Trump’s criticism of the attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Ukraine, however, maintains that Russian energy facilities can support Moscow’s military campaign and therefore constitute legitimate targets in the conflict.
Ukraine Continues to Defend Its Strategy
Kyiv has continued to target Russian energy infrastructure despite international discussions about reducing attacks on energy facilities.
Ukraine has argued that Russia uses its energy industry to generate revenue and support military operations.
At the same time, Russia has continued attacking Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy-related targets.
The continuing strikes have made it difficult to separate the military conflict from the wider economic consequences affecting global energy markets.
Energy Security Becomes Part of the Peace Debate
The diesel crisis adds another layer to the international debate over the Russia-Ukraine war.
For Russia, attacks on refineries can reduce domestic fuel production and complicate exports. For Ukraine, striking energy infrastructure is part of its effort to place economic and military pressure on Russia.
For consumers and businesses outside the conflict zone, the consequences can appear in the form of higher fuel and transportation costs.
Trump’s latest comments therefore place energy security alongside military and diplomatic concerns in discussions surrounding the war.
As attacks on energy infrastructure continue and global fuel supplies remain under pressure, the economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are increasingly being felt far beyond the battlefield.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Trump’s latest comments connect the Russia-Ukraine war to a growing global diesel-supply problem, pointing to damage at Russian refineries and broader disruptions in international energy markets. While Ukraine considers Russian energy infrastructure part of its war effort, continued refinery attacks are putting additional pressure on Russia’s fuel system. The resulting supply constraints and record diesel prices are adding another economic dimension to efforts to end the conflict.
SOURCES: DAILYMAIL ONLINE – Trump declares OIL CRISIS in extraordinary admission as he reveals shock truth about Russia’s decimated industry
THE TRIBUNE – ‘Russia has lost control”: Trump flags diesel crisis, calls for end to ”ridiculous” Ukraine war
NEWSQUAWK – US President Trump posts “Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry due to its War with Ukraine”
