On September 20, 2026, during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump repeatedly urged him to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries, as this contributes to the rise in global diesel prices. Axios reports this based on a source close to the negotiations.
The Significance of Trump and Zelensky's Conversation
In the conversation, which took place ahead of their scheduled meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump emphasized the importance of the issue of diesel prices. According to the source, the word 'diesel' was mentioned multiple times during the discussion. This indicates that the economic consequences of military actions remain at the forefront of both leaders' concerns.
Progress in Peace Negotiations
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, also reported that significant progress has been made in the negotiations regarding the cessation of war between Ukraine and Russia. He stated that the number of contentious issues has decreased from several dozen to one or two key points. This may indicate positive changes in the diplomatic efforts of both sides.
The Context of Global Energy Prices
The rise in diesel prices is driven not only by military actions but also by the overall situation in global markets. In the context of the conflict in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, energy prices remain under pressure. Thus, Trump's calls may reflect not only U.S. interests but also the global economic situation.