Czech president signals support for peacekeeping mission in Ukraine

President Petr Pavel has indicated that the Czech Republic should participate in any international peacekeeping mission deployed in Ukraine.

In an interview with the Czech News Agency (ČTK), Pavel emphasized that Czech involvement would be both appropriate and necessary, given the country’s active role in supporting Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

“The Czech Republic could and should take part if peacekeeping forces are deployed in Ukraine,” Pavel stated, underscoring Prague’s longstanding commitment to the peace process. He added that the exact scope and nature of the Czech contribution would be determined by the terms of any future agreement.

In a candid assessment of the ongoing conflict, Pavel acknowledged that territorial concessions by Ukraine, while constituting a breach of international law, may be a pragmatic step toward achieving a settlement.

“Such concessions reflect the reality on the battlefield,” he noted. “If the war is not to drag on for years with mounting casualties and destruction, a temporary loss of territory is the lesser evil.”

The Czech president pointed out the debate over the necessity of security guarantees for Ukraine which  took place at the White House on August 18, involving US President Donald Trump, his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and leaders of several European countries. Prior to this, Trump held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another outcome of August 18 meeting was the decision to prepare for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, followed by a trilateral summit including Trump.

According to Pavel, it is positive that a process coordinated between the US, Europe, and Ukraine has been set in motion. “It is certainly also positive that the American side has clearly expressed support for security guarantees. We will see what their concrete support from the US side will be,” Pavel noted. What is crucial now, according to him, is whether and when Putin and Zelenskyy will meet and whether a basic agreement on the terms of the peace process can be reached.

By Vafa Guliyeva