U.S. President Donald Trump has said Russia has lost control of its diesel oil industry because of the ongoing war with Ukraine, pointing to Ukrainian strikes that have damaged Russian oil refineries.
Trump made the remarks on Monday, September 21, 2026, in a post on his Truth Social platform, as he again called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry due to its War with Ukraine,” Trump wrote. He added that a large number of Russian diesel refineries had been “blown up” and were, at least temporarily, out of commission.
Trump’s comments came after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. The Associated Press reported that Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones at Russia over the weekend, while Russian officials said the attacks caused damage in several areas. The attacks have included strikes on oil and refining facilities.
READ RELATED STORY
Russia-Ukraine War: Zelenskyy, Trump agree to meet in New York amid peace efforts
Iran adviser: Hormuz to stay closed until Trump, Netanyahu leave power
Russia-Ukraine War: Zelenskyy, Trump agree to meet in New York amid peace efforts
Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil facilities during the war, with the stated aim of putting pressure on Russia’s economy and reducing its ability to support military operations. The attacks have damaged equipment at some refineries and forced temporary disruptions to production.
The disruption has also affected Russia’s domestic fuel market. Reuters reported on Monday that Russia has repeatedly restricted gasoline and diesel exports in an effort to control domestic prices and address shortages linked to Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. Although Russian diesel production recovered in August to about 170,000 metric tons per day, traders said output remained insufficient for Russia to resume full-scale diesel exports.
Trump has also urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian refineries. According to the Financial Times, Trump raised concerns about rising diesel prices during a phone call with Zelenskyy on Sunday and urged Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities.
Zelenskyy is expected to meet Trump in New York during the United Nations General Assembly this week. Their discussions are expected to include efforts to end the war and proposals concerning attacks on energy infrastructure.
Trump’s description that Russia has “lost control” of its diesel industry is his characterization of the situation. Available reporting confirms that Ukrainian attacks have disrupted parts of Russia’s refining capacity and contributed to domestic fuel-supply pressures, but it does not establish that Russia has literally lost control of its entire diesel industry.
The developments come as the wider global diesel market faces supply pressures, making disruptions to major refining capacity an important concern for fuel markets.
