# Trump puts diesel prices ahead of Ukraine

> The president is pressuring Zelenskyy to end the war and stop attacking Russian oil, reversing months of support as gas prices threaten midterm elections.
- Title: Trump puts diesel prices ahead of Ukraine · Vox | Shortify
- Summary: The president is pressuring Zelenskyy to end the war and stop attacking Russian oil, reversing months of support as gas prices threaten midterm elections…
- Keywords: donald trump, volodymyr zelenskyy, ukraine, russia, vladimir putin, us foreign policy, diesel prices, midterm elections, news, culture, Trump, puts
- Source: Vox — https://vox.com/today-explained-newsletter/506912/trump-zelensky-diesel
- Author: Caitlin Dewey
- Published: 2026-10-20T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, volodymyr zelenskyy, ukraine, russia, vladimir putin, us foreign policy, diesel prices, midterm elections, news, culture
## Trump's pattern with Zelenskyy
President Trump has never truly backed Ukraine's leader. He once called Zelenskyy a modestly successful comedian and harangued him for inadequately thanking the US.

> modestly successful comedian
## Trump drops the pretence
On Monday, Trump blamed Zelenskyy for failing to end Russia's invasion and suggested it was time for somebody else to take over negotiations.

> somebody else
## Three moves against Ukraine
Three days before blaming Zelenskyy, Trump delayed tariffs and sanctions designed to pressure Russia. A week earlier, he reopened the US market to Russian diesel.
## Russia's escalating assault
Russia continues bombarding Ukraine with drone and missile strikes. Hundreds of civilians died in September alone. The first two weeks of October ranked among the deadliest since two thousand twenty-two.
## Trump's real concern
Trump is more worried about Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, which drive up gas prices. American voters are paying near-record highs for gasoline and diesel fuel.
## Pressure on Ukraine
Trump has demanded Ukraine stop targeting Russian oil refineries and ramped up pressure on Zelenskyy to negotiate an end to the war. He has disrupted intelligence-sharing and satellite internet access.
## The long-term risk
Without credible guarantees, Putin could regroup and return to Ukraine in months or years to take even more land. A stronger Russia would menace the rest of Europe and weaken American power.
## Key takeaway

President Trump is abandoning diplomatic support for Ukraine, demanding it stop striking Russian oil refineries and accept a peace deal, prioritising lower fuel prices over long-term security.