US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop targeting Russian oil refineries, warning that attacks on diesel production could worsen fuel shortages and push up prices globally.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Ireland, Trump said Ukraine could continue targeting other military objectives but should avoid strikes on facilities producing diesel fuel.
Trump said he had discussed the issue with Zelensky as Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil infrastructure in recent months. He argued that the strikes were contributing to fuel shortages at a time when global energy markets were already under pressure from conflict in the Middle East.
Ukraine has carried out numerous drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities located hundreds of kilometres from its border. Russia has also increased its long-range attacks on Ukraine, contributing to a rise in civilian casualties.
Kyiv has stepped up its drone campaign against targets inside Russia, while Moscow has responded with an increased number of missile attacks.
The escalation comes as renewed fighting in the Middle East has pushed global oil prices higher, increasing fuel costs in the United States and adding to inflationary pressures. The situation has also raised speculation that the US Federal Reserve could increase interest rates as Americans prepare to vote in key midterm elections in November.
Meanwhile, Zelensky on Sunday imposed sanctions on former presidential press secretary Yuliia Mendel and nine other individuals, accusing them of spreading Russian propaganda and supporting Moscow’s policies toward Ukraine.
Mendel, who served as Zelensky’s press secretary from 2019 to 2021, criticised the decision in a Facebook post, saying sanctions against Ukrainian citizens were unconstitutional. She did not directly address the allegations made against her.
Mendel has given interviews criticising Zelensky’s record since last year, when several members of his inner circle became involved in corruption-related controversies. Those accused have denied the allegations, which have not been established in court.
Under Zelensky’s decree, the sanctions will remain in place for 10 years and include asset freezes and restrictions on trade.
The move is unusual for a former presidential staff member, although Ukraine has previously imposed similar sanctions on political figures. Last year, sanctions were imposed on former president and opposition leader Petro Poroshenko, including an asset freeze and restrictions on capital transfers, over national security concerns cited by Ukrainian authorities.
The latest decree targets 10 Ukrainian and Russian individuals accused by the Ukrainian presidency of spreading disinformation and Russian propaganda and supporting Russia’s military policy toward Ukraine.
Mendel, who became Zelensky’s first press secretary after he assumed the presidency, said she had anticipated the sanctions and accused the government of targeting people who advocate peace in Ukraine.
