# Trump Pushes Ukraine to Stop Hitting Russian Refineries as Diesel Prices Spike

- URL: https://twotakes.us/stories/trump-pushes-ukraine-to-stop-hitting-russian-refineries-as-diesel-prices-spike
- Published: 2026-09-28T07:08:13.334215+00:00
- Topics: ukraine-war, russia, trump-administration, diplomacy, energy-prices

## What the left says
- Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries are a legitimate wartime tactic aimed at degrading the resources funding Russia's invasion, and pressuring Kyiv to stop risks rewarding the aggressor.
- Zelensky is framing cooperation on an energy ceasefire as a good-faith gesture, paired with demands for reciprocal steps like reopening the Black Sea grain corridor and securing a trilateral summit with Russia.
- There is deep skepticism that Putin actually wants de-escalation, given the Kremlin's own statements that conditions aren't ready for talks and continued missile strikes on Kyiv even as diplomacy is discussed.
- Zelensky's push for Patriot missile production licenses reflects Ukraine's urgent need for enhanced air defense heading into another winter of Russian attacks on infrastructure.

## What the right says
- Rising diesel prices from Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries are hurting American consumers and the broader global economy, giving the Trump administration a direct incentive to push for an energy ceasefire.
- The Trump administration's diplomatic push, including sanctions on Russia, a major arms deal, and now Patriot missile production licenses for Ukraine, shows a results-oriented approach combining pressure and incentives to end the war.
- Trump is credited with creating renewed diplomatic momentum after a long freeze in talks, working to bring both sides toward a trilateral meeting and concrete de-escalation steps like the energy ceasefire.
- Approving Patriot missile licenses for Ukraine demonstrates continued U.S. support for Kyiv's defense even while pressing for a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

## Common ground
- Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have contributed to rising diesel and energy prices in the U.S. and globally.
- President Trump and President Zelensky met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss de-escalation steps and a potential trilateral meeting with Russia.
- Both an energy infrastructure ceasefire and reopening the Black Sea grain corridor are on the table as proposed near-term steps to reduce hostilities.
- Trump has approved licenses allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles domestically.

## Sources
- [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/zelensky-ukraine-russia-war-energy-ceasefire-grain) (Lean Left)
- [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2026/09/20/trump-zelensky-meeting-russia-ukraine-war-talks) (Lean Left)
- [Just The News](https://justthenews.com/government/diplomacy/zelensky-claims-trump-has-given-final-approval-ukraine-build-patriot-missiles?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators) (Right)
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/policy/defense/6111551-volodymyr-zelensky-donald-trump-patriot-missiles-ukraine/) (Center)

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