U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for rising diesel prices in the United States, accusing Ukraine of worsening global fuel shortages through its attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure.
Trump made the remarks on Saturday, October 10, 2026, while criticising Zelenskyy’s handling of the war with Russia and suggesting that Ukraine should elect a new president capable of negotiating a peace agreement with Moscow.
The comments came a day after Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase Russian diesel supplies to American and international markets. The deal represents a significant shift in Washington’s approach to Russian energy exports as the administration seeks to address rising fuel costs ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump Criticises Ukraine’s Attacks on Russian Refineries
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump argued that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries were contributing to the diesel shortage and placing additional pressure on American farmers, ranchers and other businesses that depend on the fuel.
Trump said he had previously urged Zelenskyy to avoid targeting Russian refineries, warning that the attacks could disrupt fuel supplies and push prices higher.
The American president has repeatedly criticised Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy facilities, arguing that they are affecting international markets at a time when fuel prices are already elevated by geopolitical conflicts.
However, the global energy crisis has multiple contributing factors, including disruptions associated with the conflict involving Iran and continuing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Trump’s attribution of high US diesel prices to Zelenskyy reflects his position on the issue rather than an independently established explanation for the price increases.
Trump Announces Diesel Agreement With Putin
Trump’s criticism followed his announcement of a diesel supply agreement with Putin after a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Friday.
Under the announced arrangement, Russia is expected to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by another 500,000 tons in November and an additional one million tons shortly afterwards.
The administration says increasing available supplies could help ease pressure on fuel prices and provide relief to American businesses affected by rising transportation and agricultural costs.
The agreement has nevertheless attracted criticism because it involves easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports despite Washington’s previous efforts to limit Moscow’s energy revenues following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Questions also remain about how much of the announced supply will reach American buyers and how quickly the arrangement could affect prices at the pump.
Zelenskyy Condemns Washington’s Decision
Zelenskyy has criticised the diesel agreement, arguing that increased Russian energy revenues could help Moscow finance its continuing military campaign against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president warned that easing economic pressure on Russia could encourage further attacks rather than advance peace negotiations.
His response highlights growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over the appropriate strategy for ending the war. While the Trump administration has pressed Ukraine to pursue a negotiated settlement, Ukrainian officials maintain that Russia must face sufficient pressure to discourage further aggression.
The disagreement comes as American and Ukrainian representatives continue diplomatic discussions aimed at finding a path towards ending the conflict.
Diesel Prices Remain a Concern Ahead of US Midterms
Rising diesel prices have become an economic concern in the United States because the fuel powers freight trucks, agricultural machinery and other essential commercial operations.
Higher diesel costs can increase the price of transporting goods, operating farms and supplying businesses, potentially contributing to wider inflationary pressures.
Reuters reported that US diesel prices had reached approximately $6.28 per gallon as of October 9, reflecting substantial increases amid disruptions to global energy supplies. Whether the agreement with Russia will provide meaningful relief remains uncertain.
With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, fuel affordability is likely to remain an important economic issue for the Trump administration.
Swifteradio.com
