Trump asks Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian oil: He is harming the world and must pursue his objectives

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over Kyiv’s military strategy and its strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure.

Speaking on Sunday from his golf club in Doonbeg, Ireland, Trump said the Ukrainian attacks were having a negative impact on the global economy. He said difficulties with fuel and oil supplies in international markets were linked to the war between Russia and Ukraine, not developments in the Middle East. For this reason, he called on Kyiv to stop targeting Russian diesel fuel production.

“Zelensky needs to do one thing: stop destroying diesel fuel in Russia. He is causing an oil shortage. This is not happening because of the Middle East, but because of what is happening between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump told reporters, referring to the Ukrainian leader.

“Let him pursue his goals, but not oil, because this creates a fuel shortage and harms the world,” the U.S. president added.

For several months, Ukrainian forces have carried out attacks with drones and long-range weapons against Russia’s oil and gas sector. Kyiv views the industry as the main source of funding for Moscow’s war. The campaign has caused restrictions on domestic fuel supplies in Russia, while major online retailers have also been targeted, bringing the conflict closer to civilians.

Russia, meanwhile, has stepped up air strikes with ballistic missiles and drones. The main objective of this campaign is to damage Ukraine’s electricity grid ahead of winter.

Despite signs of a possible opening for dialogue, diplomatic developments remain complicated. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said on Sunday that Moscow was ready to resume peace talks in the autumn, with the participation of Russia, Ukraine and the United States. According to him, October remains a possible period for holding the talks.

Peskov’s statement came after recent visits to Moscow and Kyiv by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. However, diplomatic efforts have not resolved the main differences between the sides, particularly those related to territorial concessions.