Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries is not impacting US gas prices: report

Key Points:

• Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have not caused an increase in U.S. diesel prices, which remained below $4 per gallon until early 2026 despite the attacks, according to the Institute of the Study of War (ISW).
• U.S. diesel prices surged sharply starting February 2026, coinciding with the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, peaking at $6.53 per gallon in September.
• Tensions have escalated between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky over U.S. purchases of Russian diesel and Ukraine’s continued refinery strikes, with Trump urging Kyiv to halt attacks to avoid raising global fuel prices.
• Zelensky rejected Trump’s demands, vowing to resume strikes on Russian refineries and accusing the U.S. government of cutting off Ukraine’s access to the Starshield satellite network, which disrupted Ukraine’s drone defense capabilities.
• The dispute highlights growing friction in U.S.-Ukraine relations amid the ongoing conflict, with Trump criticizing Zelensky’s strategy as damaging to global oil markets and Zelensky asserting Ukraine’s right to target Russian energy infrastructure.