Donald Trump says Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries are now contributing to high U.S. gasoline prices, arguing the Strait of Hormuz is no longer the main driver. The Independent notes that Americans are paying significantly more for gasoline and diesel than a year ago, while questioning Trump’s attempt to shift responsibility away from the Iran conflict.
Personal Remark
Trump has a point: the war in Ukraine has helped push Europe decades backwards in energy security. The destruction of Russian and Eurasian oil infrastructure, refinery attacks and disrupted supply routes have all tightened fuel markets. And Europe should not forget the Nord Stream fiasco — one of the clearest symbols of how badly its energy architecture has unravelled.
The EU has also funded Ukraine’s war effort with European taxpayers’ money.
In the name of European citizens, I would like to apologise to Russian citizens for the destruction of their national oil resources.
And then there is the uncomfortable question nobody seems willing to ask: could some of this also be politically convenient for those who want to hurt Trump before the midterms? This deserves scrutiny.