Trump scapegoats Kyiv over diesel fuel costs while pressing for peace deal — Politico

Speaking to reporters on Sept. 13, he called on Ukraine to cease long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries, asserting that Ukrainian attacks are driving a global diesel price spike rather than his administration's war against Iran, which has heavily restricted crude deliveries from the Middle East.

According to a senior European official familiar with U.S.-led Russia-Ukraine mediation efforts, the Trump administration is desperately searching for scapegoats ahead of critical U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3.

"This administration is blaming Ukraine because they do not know what to do with their war [in Iran]," the diplomat told Politico, adding that Russian crude and diesel exports were never a significant component of domestic U.S. fuel consumption.

"The concept itself is absurd," the official underscored.

"Furthermore, we have all heard President Trump claim that America can produce as much oil as anyone could ever want."

Trump is not the first American cabinet official to target Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CBS that the diesel crisis worsened due to extensive damage at Russian refining complexes, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed days earlier that the United States is enduring an "energy shock" partly because "Ukraine chose to blow up Russian energy assets and refineries."

In response, the European official argued that if Washington expects Kyiv to halt refinery raids, it must compel Moscow to end its bombardments of Ukraine's power grid, noting that "an energy ceasefire must be reciprocal" and that Vladimir Putin does not respect the current administration, preventing any mutual halt from taking hold.

Speaking on Sept. 13 while attending the Irish Open golf tournament, Trump repeated his warnings: "Zelenskyy has one thing he has to do. He's got to stop knocking out the diesel capacity in Russia. He's causing the diesel shortage."

U.S. Diplomatic Posture and Peace Negotiations

Sept. 12: U.S. Special Envoy Jared Kushner claimed the majority of a prospective peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is finalized, leaving only "creative" solutions for remaining territorial disputes.

"Putin was clear about what he wants to achieve. If Ukraine were willing to pull back to that line, then sure. As you understand, we have the rest of the deal worked out and agreed upon. Ukraine does not want to do that right now," he said.

Ukrainian red lines: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected Kremlin ultimatums demanding a complete military withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to end hostilities. Presidential Office Head Kyrylo Budanov reinforced that while Kyiv is prepared to end the war, it will not surrender sovereign land.

Envoy missions & calls: U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Putin in Russia on Sept. 5 before traveling directly to Ukraine on Sept. 6 for preliminary talks. Following their return, Trump held a phone call with Putin on Sept. 8 without placing a corresponding call to Zelenskyy, subsequently declaring on Sept. 9 that he had a "great call" with Putin, who was ready for a deal, and urging Zelenskyy to follow.