Trump says Zelensky ignored US requests to stop attacks on Russian refineries
In short
Donald Trump said the US had unsuccessfully asked Volodymyr Zelensky to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries, Interfax reported on October 10. Trump said the attacks risked creating diesel shortages for the world and problems for US farmers.
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US President Donald Trump said he had unsuccessfully asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not to attack oil refineries in Russia in order to avoid creating a global diesel shortage, Interfax reported on October 10. Trump made the remarks to journalists in Washington. [ 3 ]
Trump said the US had told Zelensky he could carry out other strikes in Russia but should leave refineries alone because attacks on them would create problems for the world. He said Zelensky had not listened and accused him of seeking to cause diesel problems for the world and US farmers. Trump said Russia supplied substantial quantities of diesel to other countries. [ 3 ]
RIA Novosti also reported that Trump demanded an end to attacks on Russian refineries. It reported his accusation that Zelensky could have settled the conflict with Moscow earlier but chose not to do so, and his statement that Ukraine should elect a new president. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
Trump linked his request to the supply of diesel from Russia to world markets. His remarks criticised Ukraine's response to that request.
Key facts
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Interfax reported Trump's remarks to journalists in Washington on October 10. [ 3 ]