Donald Trump called on Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries, claiming this is driving up diesel prices in the USA. In reality, fuel prices in America began rising after the start of the war with Iran, not because of Ukrainian strikes against facilities on Russian territory.
What Trump Said
Following his trip to Moscow and talks with Vladimir Putin, the American side put forward a request: Ukraine must stop bombing Russian oil refineries. The reason given by Trump is that these strikes are supposedly causing diesel prices to rise in the United States.
What Is Actually Happening with Prices in the USA
In the United States, diesel prices have risen to seven to eight dollars, and in some states to nine dollars. Such prices have never been recorded in the country’s history. Moreover, the price increase did not begin after Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, but after the start of the US war with Iran. Before this conflict, fuel prices were not at such levels, although Ukraine had already been striking these refineries at that time, and Russia, according to available evidence, was already feeling the effects of fuel shortages in its own market.
Why the Argument About Global Prices Does Not Hold Up
The claim that strikes on Russian oil refineries affect world fuel prices is not supported by the sequence of events presented: the price increase coincided precisely with the start of the war with Iran, not with the intensification of Ukrainian attacks. This provides grounds to view Trump’s statement as an attempt to shift responsibility for the domestic American situation onto another party while simultaneously helping Russia preserve its oil refining industry, which has suffered from strikes.
Position on Continuing Strikes
Ukraine is responding to aggression rather than initiating it, so stopping strikes on Russian oil refineries is directly linked to ending the war itself: as soon as Russia stops bombing Ukrainian cities and killing civilians, the reason for retaliatory strikes will disappear. A corresponding appeal to Russia demanding it end the war would be a logical step for the USA if diesel prices truly concern Washington.
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