On September 22, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia has 'lost control' of its diesel oil industry due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, and is pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to agree to an energy truce with Moscow [1]. The call for a truce comes as U.S. retail diesel prices have surged above $6.50 per gallon for the first time, a spike attributed to disruptions in global fuel supplies caused by both the Ukraine war and the conflict in Iran [1]. Trump is expected to meet Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where discussions will focus on further air defense support for Kyiv, Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, and potential steps to end the more than four-and-a-half-year conflict [1].
Trump stated on Truth Social that 'a large number' of Russian diesel oil refineries had been 'blown up' and are temporarily out of commission, though he did not provide further details [1]. He emphasized the need to end the war, citing that '25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are being killed each month,' and argued that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries are 'hurting the world' by exacerbating fuel supply disruptions [1]. The latest figures from AAA confirm that U.S. diesel prices have reached record highs, with supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz also affected by the Iran conflict [1].
Ukraine maintains that Russian energy sites are legitimate military targets as it continues to resist Russian forces, which invaded in early 2022 [1]. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry has announced plans for 'massive strikes' on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, raising concerns about another winter assault on critical facilities [1].
Zelenskyy stated that his government is in ongoing talks with the Trump administration, with 'ideas on the table for bringing peace closer, starting with strong de-escalation steps.' He stressed that Ukraine's energy sector, critical infrastructure, and food exports must stop being targeted by Russia, which would lead to matching de-escalation steps from Ukraine [1]. Zelenskyy concluded, 'Solutions are possible' [1].
CONCLUSION
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy highlights the urgent need for an energy truce as the Ukraine war continues to disrupt global fuel supplies and drive U.S. diesel prices to unprecedented levels. Both leaders are exploring de-escalation steps, but ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure and high casualty rates underscore the conflict's severe market and humanitarian impacts. The outcome of these talks could significantly influence energy markets and geopolitical stability.