Trump says Russia has 'lost control' of its oil industry because of Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russia has lost control of its diesel oil industry because of the war with Ukraine, posting on Truth Social that a large number of Russian diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission.

Trump pointed to intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which have knocked out nearly half of the country's refining capacity. He called the war "ridiculous" and "never-ending," demanding it be brought to an end and noting that the whole world suffers as roughly 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are killed each month.

Zelenskyy's response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded on X, saying Ukraine is ready to stop its attacks on Russia if the Kremlin does the same. He said Ukraine's energy sector, critical infrastructure and food exports must stop being targeted by Russia, which would lead to matching de-escalation steps from Kyiv. Zelenskyy added that the nature of the war today means the aggressor will suffer as well.

Earlier this month, Trump had urged Ukraine to stop targeting Russia's energy infrastructure, saying the attacks on the diesel industry were causing fuel shortages that hurt the world.

Upcoming meeting

Trump and Zelenskyy are set to meet in New York on Tuesday, a meeting Zelenskyy said "could change a lot." He noted there is diplomatic momentum in the current talks, with ideas circulating for de-escalation steps and for addressing fundamental security issues such as energy security, food security and protection of human life. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is working with the American team and is ready to take serious steps toward these goals.