Czech President: Trump Diesel Deal Derailed Peace Process, Gave Russia Breathing Room

Czech President Petr Pavel stated that Trump's cancellation of sanctions on Russian diesel fuel derailed a peace process that was close and gave Moscow a chance to regroup. He believes the deal provided the Kremlin with a "breathing opportunity" and a moral boost, making future pressure more difficult. Pavel noted that coordinated US and European sanctions had put Russia in a difficult position, but the diesel agreement announced by Trump this month undermined that pressure. He also defended Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky against Trump's criticism, saying Ukraine is the victim of the conflict, not the aggressor. Pavel called the diesel deal a mistake rather than a betrayal, arguing it gives Russia hope to ignore Europe and Ukraine while focusing on agreements with the US and China. He added that European countries might buy Russian oil in the future, but only if Russia respects sovereignty and borders.