US President Donald Trump asked President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky several times during a phone call to stop striking Russian oil refineries. This was reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing a source familiar with the conversation's content.
According to the publication's source, the topic was raised more than once due to the situation on the global diesel fuel market.
The word "diesel" was mentioned many times during the conversation — the Axios source said.
Trump's Position: Other Targets — No Objections
Trump has previously publicly called on Zelensky to stop striking facilities related to diesel fuel production in Russia, explaining this by the impact on fuel shortages and price increases. However, he has not demanded that Kyiv completely halt strikes on Russian territory, noting that Ukraine can choose other targets.
Kyiv's Logic: Fuel Strikes Are Strikes on Russian Army Logistics
Zelensky previously explained to Axios that attacks on fuel infrastructure have a specific military purpose — to reduce the supply of diesel fuel to Russian units on the front lines. For an army that relies on heavy equipment and motor transport, fuel shortages directly affect the pace of operations and logistical capabilities.
The difference in positions reflects a difference in priorities: Washington is looking at the global oil products market and consumer prices, Kyiv is looking at the enemy's ability to supply troops. The question is whether this conversation will influence the General Staff's further decisions regarding the selection of targets for attack drones and missiles.
