Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to urge Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider an energy truce with Russia during their scheduled meeting on Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump asserted that Russia has “lost control” of much of its diesel oil production due to ongoing damage caused by the conflict in Ukraine, which began in early 2022.
In a message posted on the social media platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump claimed that numerous Russian diesel refineries had been heavily damaged or destroyed, temporarily disrupting supplies. He called for an end to the conflict, which he described as “ridiculous and never ending,” highlighting the significant human toll with approximately 25,000 deaths per month, mostly soldiers.
The meeting comes amid a sharp increase in U.S. diesel prices, which have recently surpassed $6.50 per gallon, driven by disruptions to global fuel supplies linked to the Ukraine war as well as tensions in Iran. Trump has previously criticized Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing they exacerbate fuel shortages and international economic strain.
Ukraine maintains that Russian energy facilities constitute legitimate military targets amid continued hostilities. In response, Russia has announced plans for “massive strikes” targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, raising concerns about intensified attacks ahead of winter.
President Zelenskyy indicated on Monday that Kyiv is engaged in discussions with Washington regarding possible “strong de-escalation steps” aimed at reducing hostilities. He emphasized the need to protect Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure, and food exports from Russian attacks, suggesting that such protection could pave the way for reciprocal measures. "Solutions are possible," Zelenskyy said as he arrived in New York, where he also held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The dialogue between the two leaders will also cover further air defense assistance for Ukraine, Ukrainian drone operations against Russian targets, and efforts to bring an end to the prolonged conflict, which has now entered its fifth year.
On Sunday, Ukraine reportedly carried out its largest drone strike to date on the Moscow region, damaging an oil refinery facility outside the city and causing three fatalities. The attack coincided with the conclusion of Russia’s State Duma elections, in which the ruling United Russia party, closely linked to President Vladimir Putin, secured a record number of parliamentary seats according to preliminary results.
A spokesperson for the Russian embassy in London was not immediately available for comment on Trump’s statements or the evolving situation. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the UNGA provides a rare high-level engagement as global concerns mount over the conflict’s humanitarian and economic impact.