WASHINGTON, October 10, 2026. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes were worsening an already strained global diesel market and creating problems for American farmers and ranchers.
Speaking to reporters before departing the White House on October 10, Trump said he had specifically asked Zelensky to avoid refinery targets while leaving other potential military targets open. His comments are available in the official White House video.
What Trump said about refinery strikes
At approximately 1:15 in the video, Trump described his message to the Ukrainian leader: “You can do whatever you want to Russia. Don’t hit the refineries because that’s a world problem that’s caused.”
Trump then attributed intent to Zelensky, saying at approximately 1:20: “And he wants to make problems for the world.” At approximately 1:27, he continued: “He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers with diesel fuel because Russia supplies a large portion of the diesel fuel throughout the world.”
These are Trump’s allegations about Zelensky’s motives, not independently established findings about the Ukrainian president’s intentions.
Trump returned to the distinction between refinery strikes and other targets several times. At approximately 1:52, he said: “And I said to him, do what you want. Don’t hit refineries.” At approximately 2:03, he added: “Plenty of targets. Don’t hit refineries.”
The president’s remarks should not be interpreted as a demand that Ukraine seek U.S. approval for every military target. His stated objection in this exchange was specifically to strikes on oil refineries and diesel-fuel infrastructure.
Why diesel matters to American agriculture
Diesel is essential to farm machinery, freight transportation and food distribution. Higher fuel costs can affect the operating expenses of farmers, ranchers and truckers. The White House has described constrained global diesel supplies as a reason for temporary federal relief.
On October 5, Trump signed Executive Order 14435, “Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel”. The order directs federal officials to consider deferral of certain diesel excise-tax obligations and relief from specified penalties during the period from October 5 through December 31, 2026, subject to legal authority and implementation guidance.
The administration’s October 5 fact sheet says the measure is intended to ease costs for American farmers, truckers and other diesel users. The order does not itself establish that Ukrainian refinery strikes caused any particular price increase, nor does it establish Zelensky’s intent.
Trump also questioned Ukraine’s leadership
Later in the same press exchange, Trump said at approximately 2:30: “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal.” At approximately 3:02, he added: “And I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
Those statements reflect Trump’s political assessment. They do not amount to an official U.S. legal determination about Ukraine’s government.