Russian drones kill two at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing, authorities say
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 13 to stop targeting Russian oil refineries and infrastructure used for diesel. Trump argued these long-range strikes are driving a global shortage and pushing U.S. diesel prices past an average of six dollars a gallon. The demand follows months of Ukrainian attacks on the Russian oil and gas sector that led to internal fuel rationing and a Russian diesel export ban in July. Meanwhile, Russia launched a large drone barrage against Odesa and other regions, while Ukrainian strikes killed two people in Tatarstan.
What changed
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly demanded that Ukraine halt its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure due to global supply concerns.
Live updates
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Trump Calls on Ukraine to Halt Strikes on Russian Oil Infrastructure
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 13 to stop targeting Russian oil refineries and infrastructure used for diesel. Trump argued these long-range strikes are driving a global shortage and pushing U.S. diesel prices past an average of six dollars a gallon. The demand follows months of Ukrainian attacks on the Russian oil and gas sector that led to internal fuel rationing and a Russian diesel export ban in July. Meanwhile, Russia launched a large drone barrage against Odesa and other regions, while Ukrainian strikes killed two people in Tatarstan.
Why it matters
The escalating cross-border drone campaign highlights the direct economic fallout of the conflict on global energy markets. Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have disrupted fuel supplies, coinciding with a separate war on Iran that restricted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. High fuel costs are heavily impacting voters ahead of the November U.S. midterm elections.
What is confirmed
- U.S. President Donald Trump called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 13 to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries and infrastructure.
- U.S. diesel prices hit a record on Friday, soaring past six dollars a gallon on average.
- Russia banned diesel exports in July following months of Ukrainian long-range strikes targeting Russia's oil and gas industry.
Still unconfirmed
- Trump stated that Ukrainian attacks on Russian diesel infrastructure are causing a global shortage.
What to watch next
- Any official response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the U.S. demand to halt strikes on Russian refineries.
- Future trajectory of U.S. diesel prices and potential political impacts ahead of the November midterm elections.
- Developments in Russian drone attacks and Ukrainian counter-strikes on oil infrastructure.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- jen.jiji.com — Mongolia and France agree to strengthen school lunch program
- www.hngn.com — Russia Sends 453 Drones at Ukraine as Kyiv Hits Tatarstan Refineries
- www.yahoo.com — Ukrainian drones kill 2 in Russia as Moscow hits main port hub in Black Sea
- www.pbs.org — Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel, saying attacks are causing a shortage
- www.milwaukeeindependent.com — Trump diverts blame for his failed war in Iran by blaming Ukraine for high diesel prices in Russia
- www.arkansasonline.com — Ukraine asked to stop attacks
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Russian drone strike kills two at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing
Russian drones killed two people and injured three others at a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova, forcing the facility to stop operations. The strike occurred during a broader exchange of attacks that included a residential building in Kyiv. A Russian drone entering Moldovan airspace also delayed the departure of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's flight to Norway. Zelenskyy has since called for a stronger international response to Russian strikes on civilian targets.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risk to civilian infrastructure and diplomatic travel near the Moldovan border. It coincides with a wider pattern of Russian bombardment targeting urban areas in Ukraine.
What is confirmed
- A Russian drone attack on a Ukraine-Moldova border crossing killed two people and injured three others.
- The strike halted operations at the border facility.
- Russian attacks also hit a residential building in Kyiv.
- A Russian drone entering Moldovan airspace delayed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's flight to Norway.
What to watch next
- Official reports on the status of the border crossing operations
- Further diplomatic responses from Moldova and Norway regarding the airspace violation
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.nation.com.pk — Zelenskiy’s plane nearly hit by drone while leaving Moldova: Norway PM
- jen.jiji.com — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan to launch cross-border QR-code payments
- jen.jiji.com — Saudi Arabia closes East-West pipeline after multiple attacks
- www.yahoo.com — Why does the Fife curve get so full of traffic?
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Russian Drones Kill Two at Ukraine-Moldova Border
A Russian drone attack on a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova killed two people and injured three others, halting operations at the facility. The strike occurred during an exchange of attacks that also hit a residential building in Kyiv. A Moldovan official stated that a Russian drone entering Moldovan airspace also delayed the departure of a plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Norway. Zelenskyy subsequently criticized the international community for failing to adopt a tougher stance against Russian bombardment of civilian areas.
Why it matters
The border strike prompted Moldova's president to warn that Russia's frontline is moving west. The incident demonstrates the persistent cross-border security risks associated with the ongoing conflict as aerial incursions disrupt regional transit and diplomatic travel. Ukrainian leadership continues to push for stronger international pressure on Moscow.
What is confirmed
- A Russian drone attack killed two people and injured three others at a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova.
- Operations at the border crossing were halted following the attack.
- A drone alert and airspace closure in Moldova delayed the departure of a plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Norway.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the international community for not taking a tougher stance against Russia's escalating bombardment of civilian areas.
What to watch next
- Diplomatic responses from Moldova and international partners regarding airspace violations
- Updates on the condition of the three people injured in the border crossing attack
- Further security measures at regional border checkpoints
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- Al Jazeera — Russian drone attack kills two at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing
- Reuters — Russian drones kill two at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing, officials say
- BBC — Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes as two killed at Moldova border
- Українська правда — Russians attack border crossing with Moldova: civilians killed, operations halted
- The Guardian — ‘Russia’s frontline moving west,’ Moldova’s president warns after border checkpoint attack – Europe live
- www.rferl.org — Russian Strikes Hit Ukraine, Border Crossing Near Moldova
- www.cnn.com — Russian drone incursion delayed Zelensky’s departure from Moldova
- www.aol.com — Drone alert delayed Zelenskiy's departure for Norway, Moldova says
- www.arkansasonline.com — Zelenskyy urges international pressure on Russia for strikes
- www.bostonherald.com — Zelenskyy urges more international pressure on Russia for civilian deaths