Pakistan, Oct. 23 -- Surging energy prices back home have created significant political headaches for US President Donald Trump ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Pump prices for diesel climbed to a record $6.53 per gallon by late September, up from $3.75 per gallon before major hostilities. President Trump has repeatedly blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for the price hikes, arguing that President Volodymyr Zelensky disobeyed calls to halt attacks.

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Ukraine has targeted Russian energy infrastructure over the past eighteen months to restrict Kremlin revenues and weaken its military capabilities. International Energy data indicates that Ukrainian...