China has signalled its willingness to support Iran’s position as Beijing steps up diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
China Signals Support for Iran as Beijing Pushes for Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian diesel infrastructure, arguing that the strikes are contributing to pressure on global fuel supplies.
Trump made the comments on Sunday, September 13, while attending the Irish Open at his golf resort in Doonbeg, Ireland. His remarks came after he was questioned by reporters about whether he had spoken with Zelenskyy following a recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said Ukraine could continue carrying out attacks against other targets inside Russia but should avoid facilities connected to diesel production.
According to Trump, Ukrainian strikes against Russian refineries are worsening an already strained international diesel market. He also confirmed that he had discussed the issue directly with Zelenskyy and argued that Kyiv has other potential targets it could pursue instead.
The comments represent a notable intervention in Ukraine’s long-running campaign against Russia’s energy sector.
Kyiv has increasingly used long-range drones to strike Russian oil refineries, storage facilities and other energy infrastructure. Ukraine argues that the facilities are legitimate targets because Russia’s oil and gas industry generates revenue for Moscow while also supplying fuel needed for its military operations.
The attacks have placed additional pressure on Russia’s domestic fuel network. Russia has experienced shortages and rationing in some areas and introduced restrictions on diesel exports earlier this year as authorities attempted to protect domestic supplies.
However, the broader diesel shortage is not linked solely to Ukraine’s attacks on Russia. Global energy markets have also faced disruption from reduced shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and wider instability affecting oil and refined-fuel supplies from the Middle East.
Fuel prices have consequently come under significant pressure in the United States. Average U.S. diesel prices recently climbed above $6 per gallon, according to reports, adding to concerns about transportation costs, inflation and the wider economic impact of tightening supplies.
Ukraine and Russia Continue Trading Strikes
Trump’s comments come as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains intense, with both sides carrying out large-scale drone and missile attacks.
Ukraine has continued targeting strategic sites deep inside Russian territory, particularly facilities linked to Moscow’s energy industry. On September 13, Ukrainian forces reported strikes against oil facilities in Russia’s Krasnodar region and Tatarstan.
Russia, meanwhile, has intensified aerial attacks against Ukraine, including strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian areas. Both countries reported casualties following another wave of attacks over the weekend.
Trump’s request now puts additional diplomatic pressure on Kyiv as Washington seeks to influence how Ukraine conducts its campaign against Russia.
While Trump made clear that he was not demanding an end to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory altogether, his message to Zelenskyy was that diesel refineries should be excluded because of their potential effect on international fuel supplies.
The intervention adds another dimension to U.S. efforts surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war, with Washington attempting to balance support for ending the conflict against growing concerns over its economic consequences for energy markets worldwide.
