Trump has again shifted attention toward Russia’s damaged refining sector as he seeks to explain the pressure on global diesel supplies, saying Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries are creating a wider fuel problem. Speaking about the continuing rise in energy prices, Trump said, “The big problem is the refineries in Russia are being blown up,” arguing that the situation is “more of a Russia problem” than a Middle Eastern one.
Trump said he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and asked him to “take it easy” on attacks against Russian refineries. According to Trump, Zelensky responded that Ukraine would “probably” do so. The claim has not been publicly confirmed by Kyiv as a unilateral commitment. After their September 22 meeting in New York, Zelensky said Ukraine was open to an energy ceasefire but indicated that such an arrangement would need reciprocal action from Russia.
Trump Puts Russian Refineries at the Center of the Fuel Debate
Trump’s argument comes as Russia’s refining industry has experienced significant disruption from Ukrainian drone attacks. Reuters reported that half of Russia’s six largest diesel-producing refineries had either significantly reduced production or completely halted output during September because of damage sustained in drone attacks. Those facilities account for roughly half of Russia’s diesel production, according to Reuters’ analysis.
The disruption has consequences beyond Russia. Russia is a major supplier of refined petroleum products, and reductions in its refining capacity can tighten supplies available to international markets. Ukraine has defended attacks on Russian energy infrastructure by arguing that the oil industry helps finance Moscow’s war effort, while Russia continues to attack Ukrainian energy facilities and other infrastructure. Reuters reported that the two sides have continued exchanging strikes against energy targets despite previous statements about a possible energy ceasefire.
Fuel Crisis Has Multiple Causes Beyond Russia
Trump’s focus on Russian refineries does not mean the energy crisis has a single cause. Reuters reported that diesel prices in Europe and the United States reached record highs as the wars involving Iran and Ukraine sharply reduced exports from major producers, including Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The disruption has also spread through Middle Eastern shipping routes, adding further pressure to global fuel markets.
The Middle East remains a significant part of the supply picture. Reuters has reported that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks affecting Saudi energy infrastructure have created additional uncertainty for global oil supplies. Oil prices have continued to react to developments involving the U.S.-Iran conflict, while the Trump administration has also considered restricting U.S. diesel exports as part of its response to domestic fuel prices.
Trump’s latest remarks therefore place Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries at the center of his explanation for the diesel crisis, while available reporting indicates that Russian refinery disruptions are one significant factor within a broader energy shock involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran, the Gulf region and international shipping. Whether Ukraine actually reduces its refinery strikes remains tied to the wider question of whether Russia will reciprocate with an energy ceasefire.
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