Czech President warns Trump diesel deal will hinder Ukraine peace prospects

In an interview, Czech President Petr Pavel explained that sanctions on Russian fuel and oligarchs had pushed Moscow toward a possible cease-fire with Ukraine. The recent agreement announced by Donald Trump, under which Russia would supply the United States with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel, provides Moscow with breathing space and, according to Pavel, makes diplomatic progress "much more difficult." He noted that the White House claims the deal will lower global diesel prices, but Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski posted that it serves Russian interests and enables further bloodshed.

Pavel criticized the United States for a more permissive stance toward Russia than European leaders, calling the deal a mistake but stopping short of calling it a betrayal. He added that Europe is unlikely to resume buying Russian oil until Russia respects other nations' sovereignty.