Czech president urges NATO to “show its teeth” against Russia

Czech President Petr Pavel has called on NATO to take a tougher stance against Russia, urging the alliance to “show its teeth” in response to what he described as repeated testing of its resolve along its eastern flank.

Speaking to The Guardian in Prague, Pavel said NATO should consider “decisive enough, potentially even asymmetric” measures to deter Moscow and avoid further escalation.

Among possible responses, he suggested options ranging from cutting Russia off from global financial systems to disrupting internet access and even shooting down aircraft that violate allied airspace.

“Russia, unfortunately, does not understand nice language. They mostly understand the language of power, ideally accompanied with action … if violations of Nato airspace continue, we would have to come to a decision to shoot down either an unmanned or manned aircraft,” he said.

Pavel, a former chair of NATO’s Military Committee and retired general, expressed concern over what he described as gaps in allied resolve, including frustration with “a lack of determination to keep pushing from the United States on Russia,” while avoiding direct criticism of US President Donald Trump.

He also warned that Russia was exploiting NATO’s thresholds for response following its 2014 annexation of Crimea.

“After the annexation of Crimea, we discussed many times the potential continuation of aggression, but my biggest fear was not an open military aggression against a Nato country, but rather a provocation below the Article 5 threshold,” he said.

Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Pavel said Russian forces had previously admitted to conducting provocative actions in contested airspace simply “because we can,” which he said highlighted NATO’s need for stronger deterrence.

He also proposed non-lethal “asymmetric” responses, including cyber and financial measures.

“For example, switching off the internet or satellites – you saw what [difference] Starlink made on the battlefield – or cutting Russian banks from the financial system,” he said.

Pavel warned that failure to respond firmly could encourage further escalation from Moscow, noting that “within their doctrine, they have the provision ‘escalate to de-escalate’ … I think whatever we will allow, they will try further and further.”

He also urged greater coordination between Europe and the United States on Ukraine policy and sanctions, arguing that Russia should face continued pressure until it agrees to a ceasefire and peace negotiations.

By Sabina Mammadli