President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel expressed concern that Ukraine’s victory over Russia at the cost of losing a significant portion of the Ukrainian population would not be a true victory. His words caused a significant resonance, especially in the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But what exactly did the Czech leader mean, and why did his statement provoke such a reaction?
“Victory at Any Cost”
In his speech, Pavel emphasized that Ukrainian victory, if it leads to the death or forced migration of half of the population, is unlikely to be considered a victory. He warned that such a scenario could be very dangerous both for Ukraine and for the rest of the world. This call for caution came amidst discussions about possible terms for ending the war.
Pavel also stressed that excessive expectations, such as the belief that the war will end in a few weeks or months, could be misleading. In his opinion, the situation requires a realistic view of both the timelines and possible losses.
Realism as a Strategy
The President of the Czech Republic calls for a “realistic” assessment of the situation. He reiterated that his position remains unchanged – Ukraine must restore its territorial integrity, and that is the ultimate goal. However, Pavel believes that achieving this goal may be more challenging than it seems at first glance. He emphasizes the need to be prepared for a prolonged struggle and significant sacrifices.
According to the Czech leader, creating overly optimistic expectations can lead to disappointments and even dangerous decisions. He recalled his previous statement at the Munich Security Conference, where he also emphasized the importance of a realistic approach to the war in Ukraine.
Statement That Caused Outrage
Petro Pavel’s statement has caused significant outrage among Ukrainian diplomats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine criticized the idea of “partial decisions,” emphasizing that the restoration of Ukraine’s full sovereignty is an indisputable condition for peace.
Ukrainian diplomats also highlighted that Volodymyr Zelensky’s “peace formula” includes the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the entire territory of Ukraine. They believe that any other decision would be temporary and unable to ensure lasting peace.
Discussion on “temporary occupation”
The reason for such a reaction was not only Pavel’s remarks about the “high price,” but also his suggestion that some Ukrainian territories may remain under Russia’s “temporary” occupation. He believes that neither Ukraine nor Russia can achieve their maximum goals in the war without making certain compromises.
The Ukrainian side strongly opposes such compromises, arguing that any concessions would only prolong the conflict. Ukrainian diplomats stress that all territories occupied by Russia must be returned to Ukraine without any exceptions.
Views on the future of the war
Pavel’s position, like that of many other Western leaders, is that the duration and consequences of the war could be unpredictable. He believes that achieving victory at any cost may prove to be very difficult for a country that has already lost many people and infrastructure.
However, Ukraine is not willing to compromise in favor of the aggressor. Kyiv continues to insist on the full liberation of occupied territories and believes that delaying this goal will only worsen the situation.
Is a compromise possible?
The words of the President of the Czech Republic raise questions about how long Ukraine is ready to fight for its territorial integrity and what losses it is ready to endure. Western partners of Ukraine, including the Czech Republic, understand the importance of support, but increasingly talk about the need to balance between aid and realistic expectations.
Nevertheless, Ukraine remains firm: no compromises with Russia, no concessions to the occupier. And although discussions about possible compromises continue, Ukrainian society is not willing to make sacrifices that will not lead to a complete victory.
Petr Pavel’s statements once again emphasize the complexity of the situation surrounding the war in Ukraine. While the West supports Ukraine, approaches on how and when the war should end may differ. Ukraine must still defend its position and fight for every meter of its territory, without making concessions that may undermine its sovereignty.
