Trump urges Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel plants

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop Ukraine's armed forces from striking Russian diesel fuel production facilities.

Trump made the appeal public, noting that he had reached out to the Ukrainian leader on Sunday. The specific reasons behind the request or further context were not immediately available.

Background

Throughout the war, Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refining and fuel production infrastructure in an effort to undermine Russia's military and economic capacity to continue fighting. Such strikes are considered part of Ukraine's strategy to weaken Russia's rear-area resources.

The Trump administration has been actively involved in efforts to influence the course of the war and search for paths toward a resolution of the conflict. It remains unclear whether Zelensky has responded to the request or how Ukraine plans to proceed regarding strikes on Russian fuel facilities going forward.

The statement comes as the international community continues to monitor the progress of the war and possible diplomatic solutions to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.