Updated
Updated · ms.now · Sep 13
Trump Blames Zelenskyy for $6.20 U.S. Diesel as Iran-War Explanation Collides With His Earlier Remarks
Updated
Updated · ms.now · Sep 13

Trump Blames Zelenskyy for $6.20 U.S. Diesel as Iran-War Explanation Collides With His Earlier Remarks

3 articles · Updated · ms.now · Sep 13

Summary

  • $6.20 a gallon diesel prices became the backdrop for Trump's claim in Ireland that Zelenskyy is driving the U.S. spike by hitting Russian diesel facilities.
  • More than 20 Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries this summer underpin Trump's argument; he said he told Zelenskyy to hit other targets because the attacks are causing a global shortage.
  • Zelenskyy has defended the refinery campaign, including a Sept. 7 strike, as a justified response to Russian attacks, while Putin has acknowledged the damage to Russia's economy.
  • Trump's explanation clashes with his own recent comments: since the Feb. 28 U.S.-Israel war launch against Iran, U.S. diesel prices have risen about 55%, and he previously tied higher fuel costs to fighting around the Strait of Hormuz.

Insights

With Russian oil exports hitting record lows, will international pressure force Ukraine to spare the very targets funding Moscow's military?
As Russian refineries burn and global diesel prices soar, could protecting Moscow's fuel infrastructure actually stabilize the world economy?