Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian diesel infrastructure, stating that these attacks are causing a global shortage of the fuel and "hurting the world." Trump's remarks were made from Doonbeg, Ireland, where he was attending the Irish Open at his golf club. This appeal comes as U.S. national average diesel prices have reached a record high of approximately $6.20 per gallon, nearly 65% higher since February, according to the American Automobile Association. Regular gasoline prices are also up by about 45% to $4.31 per gallon during the same period.
Ukrainian drone attacks have consistently targeted Russian oil facilities for months, leading Russia to implement restrictions on its own fuel exports. For instance, Russia's fuel oil exports fell to 591,000 barrels per day in August, a significant decrease from the average 860,000 barrels per day in 2025. Russia's global diesel supply has also plummeted by 81% from its five-year average, now at around 150,000 barrels per day, due to both its export restrictions and damage from Ukrainian strikes. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that combined diesel exports from Russia and the Gulf in August were 1.6 million barrels per day lower than in February, when they constituted nearly 45% of global trade.
The rising diesel prices are having a direct impact on the cost of everyday goods, as ships, trains, and trucks heavily rely on diesel. This economic strain is becoming a key issue ahead of upcoming midterm elections, with Trump's approval rating on economic handling reportedly dropping to just 17%. Some analysts, like Chris Beauchamp of IG Group, suggest that while Ukrainian strikes are affecting Russia's exports, the primary driver of the global diesel price surge, which threatens to tip the world economy into recession, is the U.S. and Israeli military actions in the Middle East, specifically the conflict in Iran that began in February and curtailed oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices were 40% lower before the Iran conflict.
Trump reiterated his request to Zelenskyy, stating, "Don't hit diesel fuel, because that's hurting the world. We don't want him to hit diesel fuel." He also indicated that he had discussed this with Zelenskyy, suggesting there are "plenty of other targets" Ukraine could pursue. Ukraine, however, views its attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure as a crucial and effective sanction against Russia, directly impacting Moscow's ability to fund and wage the war.
Global diesel supplies have been severely strained for months, exacerbated by a near-halt in product exports from Gulf nations, which in August were only about a quarter of what they were before the war in Iran, according to the IEA. Disruptions to Russia's refining system from intensified Ukrainian attacks have compounded these losses. Garry Kasparov, a Russian opposition figure, criticized Trump for blaming Ukraine, arguing that rising gas prices are connected to Trump's actions in the Middle East.
