Trump Calls for Ukraine to Halt Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to stop its strikes on Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure needed in oil production and distribution. He claims that these attacks are leading to a global shortage of fuel.

The average price of diesel in the US has crossed $6 a gallon, according to a report by Associated Press. This is causing concern for Trump as he eyes the November midterm elections, where high fuel prices could hurt his party's chances of retaining their majority in both Houses of Congress.

Trump made this comment on the sidelines of the Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg golf club. He said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 'has to do one thing' - stop hitting Russian diesel fuel, as it's 'hurting the world'. Trump added that there are 'plenty of other targets', and that striking diesel fuel is not the right approach.

Russia has been attacked by Ukraine in recent weeks, with ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones targeting Ukrainian power grids ahead of winter. This has been done to demoralize civilians, officials say.