Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has described the agreement between the USA and Russia on the sale of Russian diesel as “a big slap to Europe” and considered Washington’s decision “surprising” after criticizing the European Union (EU) for its purchases of Russian hydrocarbons, reports EFE on Sunday, as relayed by Agerpres.
“I understand that (American President Donald Trump – ed.) has elections coming up soon, but for Europe this is a big slap. We will see what our European colleagues have to say,” Babis declared on Saturday evening, as quoted by the CTK news agency.
The Czech government’s leader considered the pact “surprising” after Trump repeatedly criticized European countries for their purchases of Russian hydrocarbons, which contribute to the financing of Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
“If even after this Europe does not understand that it finally needs to start doing something, things will not end well,” Babis noted, reminding that EU leaders will meet next Thursday and Friday.
The criticisms of Trump come from a politician who shares many of the American president’s positions, especially regarding immigration, and who, after taking office in December 2025, ended Czech funding of military aid to Ukraine.