U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to stop striking diesel refineries as part of its counteroffensive against Russia, stating that these attacks contribute to a global diesel fuel shortage. "Zelensky needs to do one thing. He must stop crippling diesel production in Russia. Let him strike other targets, but not diesel, because it causes a fuel shortage." He effectively placed the blame for the rapid rise in energy prices on Ukrainian strikes against Russian facilities, although experts cite the war against Iran led by Trump in alliance with Israel as the main factor. Trump made these comments in Ireland, where he arrived for 48 hours primarily to attend the Irish Open golf tournament taking place at his private resort with golf courses in County Clare. On Sunday evening, he presented the trophy to the winner before returning to Washington. At the same time, the head of the White House took the opportunity for diplomatic contacts. During the trip, Trump met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Trump has repeatedly raised the topic of a possible "merger" of the Republic of Ireland and British-controlled Northern Ireland into a single state, including in a 45-minute speech at the residence of the U.S. ambassador in Dublin. "In my opinion, one of the most natural solutions is to unite them," he told reporters after meeting with Micheál Martin on Saturday. Reports indicate that Trump also touched on the topic of Irish reunification during a meeting with the country's president, Catherine Connolly, a leftist politician who has previously criticized her American counterpart and even called him a "bully." Sources in the Irish government report that the issue of uniting Northern Ireland and Ireland—which would mean Northern Ireland leaving the United Kingdom—is raised by Trump almost every time he is in the company of diplomats or government representatives. On Saturday, Trump stated that "sooner or later this will happen." British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously stated that the issue of a referendum on Irish reunification is currently "off the agenda." Sources close to the Prime Minister emphasized on Saturday that the position of the British government head has not changed following Trump's statements. According to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which ended more than 30 years of armed conflict in Northern Ireland, Irish reunification is possible if a majority of the population desires it. A referendum must be initiated by the British government. Sources also told Euronews that Trump's calls came amid tensions between the U.S. and the U.K. over the war in Iran. Just recently, the Trump administration questioned British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after Argentine President Javier Milei reiterated claims to the archipelago, which Argentines call the Malvinas.
