The Czech Republic is one of the countries that supports the peace formula of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Czech representatives clearly and consistently advocate for the restoration of territorial integrity and military strengthening of Ukraine. On the first day of the Peace Summit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Marian was asked about the results of the historic meeting and the possibilities of negotiations with Russia.
How does the Czech Republic assess the initial results of the Peace Summit? In your opinion, what is the main result of the first Peace Summit?
Today (the interview was recorded on the first day of the summit), we had the first round of negotiations, so my country will speak tomorrow. For now, I can say that we consider the participation of about a hundred countries to be a great success, as it is a clear support for Ukraine and the peace formula. This was supported not only by strong allies of Ukraine, such as the Czech Republic and others, but also by countries from South America and other regions. So this is a success. We had the first exchange of views among those who spoke today. I think everyone clearly realizes the need to respect the UN Charter.
Some states, of course, are more open to supporting Ukraine and the need to really name Russia as the aggressor. Perhaps some states believe there is a need for dialogue between all parties, but everyone agrees that this process must continue. We need to listen to those who may not fully understand its necessity, and we also need to explain why it is important. And everyone agreed today that the impact on trade, global security, food security, and other issues is profound, and many argue that Russia is the aggressor.
What is the position of the Czech Republic during this Peace Summit?
We’ll see how strong the communique will be. Of course, for us, for the Czech Republic, the red line is the UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity. But I think this is just the beginning of the process. The same was true, by the way, of the international Crimean platform, which Ukraine launched a few years ago, and it was very good and continues to work to this day. We need to create the conditions for peace. Some would like to see Russia at the negotiating table, perhaps in a year.
But I think the key problem is that Russia does not want peace. We see how Russia is nervous about this event here today. I think our role is to help create good conditions for peace. First, Ukraine must decide on this, and second, we must provide Ukraine with all the necessary military support to change the situation on the battlefield. And this is the best way to peace, but we also must be ready to embark on peace negotiations. Again, this must be decided by Ukraine.
Do you think Ukraine will be ready for Russia’s participation in the second Peace Summit?
First, we need to see the situation on the ground. We will see the impact of our sanctions and other policies. If Ukraine decides one day to invite Russia, we will support this decision. I think we still need to do more now. We remember the Minsk agreements, so we’ve been through this before. Even if there is some pace, and many spoke about it today, if there is a temporary solution, it is not peace. Occupation is not peace. And even if you have a temporary solution – Russia can come back. What do they think in the Czech Republic about China’s absence from the event
What do you think about China’s absence from the Peace Summit?
I regret it. We even have Brazil as an observer and others from South America and East Asia. I think this is a question for China. On the one hand, China wants to have good relations and trade with Europe, with the West. On the other hand, China is now openly supporting Russian aggression. So this is a dilemma for China. Of course, it would be great to have China on board one day, but it’s hard to say and hard to do.
Do you think the EU can influence China’s position?
We talk to China as an EU member country and the EU as a whole. We also talk to other countries, and we explain why it is important and why we would like to see everyone together. Because this is the way to peace, not other proposals or ideas.
