Czech President Petr Pavel said Trump’s diesel deal with Russia derailed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, warning both sides were 'so close' to a ceasefire. The deal allowed Russia 'time to breathe' despite U.S. and European sanctions on Russian oil and oligarchs.
Pavel said Trump 'may be attracted' to Putin as a leader with authority, but emphasized Trump's focus on 'economic prosperity for the United States.' He rejected blaming Ukraine for the conflict, calling both sides 'victims' of a 'war.'
The Czech leader said the deal 'will be much harder now' for Ukraine-Russia talks, with Russia using the momentum to 'get out of pressure' and gain a 'moral boost.' The deal also 'undermined' efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Pavel declined to comment on whether Ukraine-Russia talks with the U.S. would resume, but noted that Russia and Ukraine are 'ready to resume trilateral talks' with the U.S., according to a separate report.