Trump urges Zelensky to halt Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities
Donald Trump told Volodymyr Zelenskyj by phone to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing concerns over rising diesel prices.
Donald Trump contacted Volodymyr Zelenskyj on Sunday, urging the Ukrainian leader to stop recent drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing they would lift worldwide diesel prices. The conversation reportedly revisited the diesel price issue several times. Both leaders also agreed to meet in New York later this week, coinciding with the opening of the UN General Assembly.
Over the weekend, Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone raids on Moscow, resulting in two fatalities and damage to a city refinery, according to Russian authorities. Moscow's mayor Sergej Sobjanin confirmed the strike on a messaging platform. Nearly 250 drones were said to have been shot down during the night. The White House has not provided an official statement on the call.
Why it matters
The plea links battlefield tactics to global fuel prices and signals possible diplomatic talks at the UN.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Ukraine reports heavy Russian personnel and equipment losses in ongoing war
- Sep 11 Ukrainian intelligence now reports that daily Russian casualties regularly exceed recruitment capacity.
- Sep 17 Speaking in Presov before a trip to Kyiv, Fico described the Russia-Ukraine war as out of control and warned that a Europe-wide clash is more likely than ever. He emphasized Slovakia’s NATO membership but insisted he will act to keep the country out of any armed response triggered by Article 5. The leader also accused European capitals of seeking a pretext for a larger NATO-Russia confrontation. His remarks come ahead of a regional summit in western Ukraine that will host leaders from several neighboring states.
- Sep 19 President Donald Trump signed a bill that gives the United States new authority to impose broad sanctions on Russia, targeting its energy sector and senior officials.
- Sep 19 President Trump signed the expanded sanctions law.
- Sep 21 Czech President Petr Pavel’s war‑like comments sparked a rebuke from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
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