Trump Called On Zelenskyy To Stop Attacks Against Diesel Targets. He Said Yes, But With a Caveat.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is willing to heed the request by Donald Trump and stop attacks against diesel infrastructure, but Russia must do so as well.

In a social media post, Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv "has proposed that its partners secure an agreement with Russia that would stop the destruction of critical infrastructure."

"Food, energy, and other basics that sustain life must be protected, and Russian strikes are directed primarily against them. Every day, Ukrainian energy facilities, port infrastructure, logistics, and even warehouses storing food and pharmaceuticals are targeted. Ukraine is not convinced that Russia is willing to abide by any agreement," he claimed.

Zekenskyy went on to say that if the country's allies are "ready to ensure that Russia genuinely refrains from striking our electricity system, other energy facilities, critical infrastructure, and food supply routes, then, of course, we are ready to ensure a corresponding halt to our strikes."

"So that it is reliable, long-term, has a real impact on people's lives, and does not fall apart after the Russians hold their "elections" and get an easing of pressure on gasoline and diesel precisely for that period. The war must be brought to an end. And a de-escalatory step regarding critical infrastructure could be the first step toward peace. We expect specifics from our partners," the publication concluded.

Trump had called on Ukraine to refrain from such attacks during the weekend, saying they are causing global shortages and "hurting the world."

"Mr. Zelenskyy has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia," Trump said Sunday in Ireland. "Let him go after targets but not diesel fuel because he's causing a shortage of diesel. This isn't done by the Middle East; this is done by what's happening with Russia and Ukraine."

According to AAA, the average price of diesel has risen to $6.23 per gallon. Last year at the same time the average price of diesel hovered around $3.69 per gallon.

The war in Iran and broader conflict in the Middle East are also contributing to energy shortages. The International Energy Agency (IEA) now expects for global oil demand to keep declining.

The agency said in its latest report that global demand will decline by 2.5 million barrels per day this year, 940,000 more than what it expected last month.

It went on to say that the main reason for the change is the "continuing impasse in negotiations between the United States and Iran delays the prospect of a normalisation of flows into next year."

"Losses will be concentrated in middle distillates and petrochemical feedstock products, especially in Asia. Oil demand is projected to recover by 2.6 mb/d in 2027, narrowly offsetting this year's losses," the IEA added.