Trump asks Ukraine to stop Russia refinery attacks as diesel surges

Key Points:

• U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian oil refineries, warning that these attacks are causing global fuel shortages and driving U.S. diesel prices to record highs.
• Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil infrastructure to increase the war's cost for Moscow, leading to significant disruptions in Russia's refining capacity and prompting Russia to extend its diesel export ban until the end of September.
• Russia welcomed Trump's call for Ukraine to halt attacks on its diesel-producing facilities, framing them as civilian economic infrastructure, while Ukraine maintains these refineries are legitimate military targets amid concerns over winter energy security.
• Diesel prices in the U.S. reached an all-time high of $6.06 per gallon, with costs rising sharply due to supply disruptions from the Ukraine conflict and tensions between the U.S. and Iran, impacting key sectors like transportation, agriculture, and mining.
• Crude oil prices also surged, with Brent crude reaching $108.41 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate surpassing $100, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.