Kansas senator blames Ukraine war for diesel prices; rival says 'nobody believes' him

Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall blamed Ukraine’s war with Russia, not the U.S. conflict with Iran, for soaring diesel prices during a debate Wednesday with Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton. Marshall aligned with President Donald Trump’s stance that Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries are driving up fuel costs. Marshall hesitated at Trump’s suggestion to import Russian diesel, calling it “not a great idea,” but said he would support it if it ended the war. Hamilton condemned the position, saying “nobody believes” Ukraine is responsible and accusing Marshall of selling out U.S. allies. Diesel prices average $6.32 a gallon, up from $3.62 a year ago, a key issue in Kansas’ agricultural economy. Hamilton backs a temporary federal fuel tax pause and links high prices to Trump’s “unnecessary” Iran war, while Marshall ties Hamilton to Green New Deal policies.