Trump Urges Zelensky to Cease Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries During Leaked Call

<figure><img alt="U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as he speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan, U.S., July 27, 2026." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/4LBQ2BVKFFBURN3G4X6MLK5CNI.JPG?auth=20d8f883fa578a8243bbd2a5000143dace1c8d70ae5cc5575aa6dc3c9ce6a618&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=3375" /><figcaption>Evan Vucci/Reuters</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump requested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop attacking Russia’s oil refineries during a call on Sunday, according to details leaked to the <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/adb80fa3-b54a-4b3d-8ed2-0ebe55a5e05e?syn-25a6b1a6=1" rel="" target="_self" title="https://www.ft.com/content/adb80fa3-b54a-4b3d-8ed2-0ebe55a5e05e?syn-25a6b1a6=1">Financial Times</a>. The call took place amid a global oil crisis impacting the U.S. economy.</p><p>Trump reportedly emphasized concerns over rising diesel prices, repeatedly mentioning “diesel” while urging Zelensky to halt drone strikes against Russian targets. This request followed significant drone attacks on oil refineries in the Moscow region, which are critical to funding Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.</p><p>The ongoing conflict, along with tensions in the Middle East, has contributed to a worldwide oil crisis, leading to a national average diesel price of <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/" rel="" target="_self" title="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">$6.51</a> on Monday, a 70% increase since February 28.</p><p>Trump has previously stated that rising prices are a necessary sacrifice to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He commented on Truth Social that Russia has lost control of its diesel oil industry due to the war, and he called for an end to the conflict, citing the loss of life.</p><p>During his trip to Ireland, Trump reiterated his request for Zelensky to avoid targeting Russian oil refineries, stating that such actions contribute to diesel shortages. He clarified that the current fuel supply issues stem from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, not Middle Eastern factors.</p><p>In response, Zelensky indicated that the call was significant and noted that Ukraine would consider a reciprocal ceasefire if the U.S. and other nations could ensure Russia would comply as well. He expressed optimism about potential discussions during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for further comment.</p>