Czech President Petr Pavel Urges EU and Ukraine to Seek Peace with Russia
As tensions over the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continue, Czech President Petr Pavel has called for the EU and Ukraine to reassess their approach to Moscow, advocating for the resumption of dialogue and the restoration of business ties once the war concludes. This shift marks a notable departure from his earlier, more confrontational stance toward Russia, reflecting a growing recognition of the risks associated with an extended military confrontation.
Speaking to BBC News Ukraine, Pavel emphasized the unsustainable nature of an endless conflict, warning that it would result in severe human and economic losses for all parties involved. He argued that the EU and Ukraine must explore a compromise, acknowledging the need to balance national security with the potential for long-term economic recovery and diplomatic engagement with Russia.
During his tenure as the chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, Pavel has played a significant role in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. However, he now contends that even with the full support of Western allies, Ukraine may be unable to reclaim territories lost to Moscow without substantial human and material costs. His comments align with calls for a resolution that could pave the way for a renewed relationship with Russia, including discussions on European security and the restoration of economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet, reiterated Moscow’s position on the conflict, emphasizing that the key to a peace deal would be the recognition of Crimea and other regions as part of Russia. This stance highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the ongoing crisis.