US President Donald Trump announced on September 28, 2026, that he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to scale back strikes on Russian oil refineries, citing global fuel market pressures. Trump stated that the Ukrainian leader agreed to the request, though neither Zelenskyy nor his office provided immediate confirmation of the agreement.
Global Fuel Market Pressures Drive White House Request
Trump grounded his appeal in concerns over worldwide fuel supply stability. The White House maintains that targeted infrastructure attacks inside Russia risk pushing diesel and petroleum prices higher on international markets. Market analysts, however, point out that concurrent disruptions in the Middle East may carry more weight in driving global diesel price spikes than the Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refining facilities.
Diplomatic Balancing and Energy Security Demands
During a September 20 telephone call, Trump repeatedly urged Zelenskyy to halt the refinery operations, arguing that the Ukrainian president should concentrate on other military priorities in the war against Russia. In response, Zelenskyy conditioned any potential reduction in strikes on a reciprocal halt by Moscow against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian leader previously expressed openness to a mutual agreement safeguarding energy and food security, while stressing that broader de-escalation and civilian protection remain core priorities.
Trump requested a pause over global fuel supply worries
Why did the US ask Ukraine to halt refinery attacks?
President Donald Trump requested the pause due to worries that strikes on Russian refineries disrupt global fuel supplies and drive up diesel prices worldwide.
Did President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agree to stop the strikes?
Trump stated that Zelenskyy replied they might halt the attacks, but the Ukrainian president’s office has not directly confirmed that agreement.
What is Ukraine’s condition for stopping refinery strikes?
Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine would only consider scaling back these operations if Russia simultaneously stops targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Are Ukrainian drone strikes the main cause of global diesel price increases?
While the White House links the attacks to rising fuel costs, analysts suggest that ongoing crises in the Middle East serve as a more significant driver of global price surges.