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Trump Urges Zelensky to Stop Strikes on Russian Diesel Infrastructure
Confirmed
In Short: US President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday to stop military strikes against Russian diesel refineries, warning that the operations are creating global fuel shortages.
The US president said that current disruptions across diesel markets do not stem from tensions in the Middle East but rather originate from the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces have 'plenty of other targets' available for military strikes, Trump said, arguing that destroying Russian diesel production capacity is 'hurting the world.
The remarks come as Ukraine sharply intensifies attacks against Russian energy hubs and refining infrastructure, with Russian diesel export curbs in place since July.
Ukraine has argued that Russia's energy infrastructure remains a legitimate component of its war effort because it provides fuel and financial resources for Moscow's military campaign.
Trump's call for Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian refineries adds a new point of tension to the US approach to the conflict, particularly as Washington seeks to push the two sides towards a negotiated settlement.
What's confirmed
- The US president said that current disruptions across diesel markets do not stem from tensions in the Middle East but rather originate from the war between Russia and Ukraine.
- Ukrainian forces have 'plenty of other targets' available for military strikes, Trump said, arguing that destroying Russian diesel production capacity is 'hurting the world.
- The remarks come as Ukraine sharply intensifies attacks against Russian energy hubs and refining infrastructure, with Russian diesel export curbs in place since July.
- Ukraine has argued that Russia's energy infrastructure remains a legitimate component of its war effort because it provides fuel and financial resources for Moscow's military campaign.
- Trump's call for Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian refineries adds a new point of tension to the US approach to the conflict, particularly as Washington seeks to push the two sides towards a negotiated settlement.
What's still developing
- On Sept. 10, Zelensky said that Ukrainian units hit eight military-supporting facilities within 24 hours, including an oil refinery in the Yamalo-Nenets region and a seaport in Dagestan.
- At the same time, Ukrainian authorities reported Russian drone attacks on the Black Sea port of Odesa and areas near Ukraine's border with Poland.
- The remarks came on the same day that Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks close to the Polish border.
- Speaking to reporters while attending the Irish Open at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, Trump was asked whether he had spoken with Zelenskyy following his recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.