‘Lost control’: Trump makes new claim about Russia’s diesel industry amid Ukraine war

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said Russia had “lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry” Monday, September 21, after urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian refineries.

Trump linked the refinery damage to the Russia-Ukraine war and said diesel shortages were hurting the wider world as prices continued rising.

The statement came one day after Trump pressed Zelenskyy during a call to stop attacks on Russian refineries and allow fuel supplies to reach global markets.

Trump ties refinery damage to diesel concerns

Trump wrote on Truth Social that Russia had lost control of its diesel industry because of the war, saying many refineries had been damaged and were temporarily out of service.

“A large number of their Diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission,” Trump wrote.

He then connected the fuel disruption directly to his call for an end to the conflict, writing: “This ridiculous and never ending War with Ukraine must be ended.”

Trump said about 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, were being killed each month, calling the toll “a shame.”

The post followed his Sunday call with Zelenskyy, during which Trump’s main message was reportedly focused on diesel prices. 

A senior Ukrainian official who participated in the call told the Financial Times that Trump repeatedly stressed “diesel, diesel . . . diesel” while urging Zelenskyy to order an end to Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian refineries.

Another Ukrainian official familiar with the conversation said Trump was “very worried” about rising diesel prices and wanted Russian supplies to reach the global market.

Zelenskyy says diplomacy must work alongside attacks

Zelenskyy described the call as an “important conversation” and said his planned meeting with Trump during the UN General Assembly could “change a lot.”

“There is diplomatic momentum,” Zelenskyy said without elaborating.

His comments came after Ukraine carried out what Russian authorities described as the largest-ever drone attack on Moscow. 

The attack set a major oil refinery ablaze, while Russian authorities reported two deaths and 20 injuries.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defenses shot down 450 drones approaching the capital.

Zelenskyy defended Ukraine’s campaign against Russian targets, saying it was part of the pressure on Moscow while arguing diplomacy should continue at the same time.

“Russia is not backing down from its escalation and is sending many signals that it is ready to expand the war,” Zelenskyy said.

Diesel prices add pressure on Trump

US diesel prices reached a record $6.51 a gallon Monday, more than 70% higher than when the Middle East conflict began in February, according to the Financial Times.

The price surge has increased pressure on truckers and farmers, with some Republicans in agricultural states calling for a ban on diesel exports, as per the outlet. 

Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley wrote on X that “High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME.”

Trump had previously claimed Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop striking each other’s energy facilities, but Ukrainian officials said no such ceasefire had been reached, the report cited.

Zelenskyy later said Ukraine would honor a reciprocal ceasefire if the United States and other partners could ensure Russia did the same.

It remains unclear whether the Trump administration has made a similar request to Moscow, as per the outlet. 

Russia has not commented on Trump’s efforts to secure an energy ceasefire.