Pavel: Ceasefire was close until Trump's diesel deal with Putin

Czech President Petr Pavel said a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire was "quite close" until US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel fuel, according to an interview published by Politico. Pavel stated the coordinated US-European sanctions had put Russia under pressure, but the diesel deal agreed with Vladimir Putin gave Moscow time to catch its breath. Pavel expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying Ukraine is the victim of the conflict and should not be blamed for it. He described Trump's approach to Russia as a mistake rather than betrayal, warning it gives Moscow new hope to disregard Europe and Ukraine while focusing on deals with the US and China. The first tanker carrying 40,000 tons of Russian diesel is set to depart for the US on October 22. Zelensky has criticized the deal, saying it helps Russia prolong the war, while Trump has accused the Ukrainian leader of delaying the conflict.