Trump tells Zelenskyy to 'take it easy' on Russian refineries as critics brand him 'Putin's puppet'

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026.

President Donald Trump has demanded that Volodymyr Zelenskyy ease up on strikes targeting Russian diesel refineries, claiming Ukraine's attacks are driving up global fuel prices. Trump said he personally called Zelenskyy and told him to back off, with the Ukrainian president reportedly replying he would 'probably do that'. The remarks triggered a wave of fury online, with critics accusing Trump of protecting Russian oil infrastructure at Ukraine's expense.

Trump has previously blamed Ukraine — not the Iran war — for rising diesel prices, a claim disputed by critics who say the conflict in Iran is the real cause.

US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker contradicted Trump's implicit pressure on Kyiv, arguing Ukraine's attacks on Russia are actually bringing both sides closer to the negotiating table.