Petr Pavel, Czech President: Russia cannot stand economic pressure

Petr Pavel interview: Czech president on Ukraine, negotiations, and Russian pressure

In this in-depth BBC World Service interview, President Petr Pavel of Czechia explains his pragmatic approach to the Ukraine war, the limits of military solutions, and the strategic role of economic pressure and diplomacy. Pavel — a former NATO Military Committee chairman and the first officer from the former Eastern Bloc to hold that role — lays out why Western support, ammunition flows, and a broadened European security conversation matter for long-term peace.

Why temporary occupation and pragmatic negotiation matter for Ukraine

Pavel argues that insisting on immediate liberation of all occupied territories risks unacceptable civilian casualties and military cost. He reluctantly suggests that some territories may remain under temporary occupation until broader political and economic pressure, reconstruction, and future negotiations change the equation. He stresses: never legally recognize annexations, but prioritize Ukrainian survival and sovereignty.

Military aid, ammunition initiative, and defense logistics

The interview details Czechia's contributions: heavy emphasis on the multinational ammunition initiative that raised Ukraine's artillery ratio from one-to-ten to about one-to-two. Pavel defends transparency measures and third-party audits, while acknowledging logistical hurdles. He describes how steady monthly ammunition supplies give Ukrainian planners operational certainty.

Using sanctions, economic tools, and diplomatic isolation

Pavel favors intensified financial and economic measures as effective, non-lethal levers. He explains how coordinated transatlantic sanctions and trade isolation could compel Moscow back to the negotiating table, arguing that economic pressure can be a more sustainable means to change behavior than endless battlefield attrition.

Hybrid warfare, espionage, and information operations

The president warns about Russian hybrid tactics: cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage, and AI-driven fake accounts that exploit democratic openness. He underscores the need for resilience, counterintelligence, and digital literacy across Europe to defend elections and institutions.

A roadmap for post-war recovery and reintegration

Pavel paints a future in which rebuilding Ukraine and integrating it into the single European market would be the most persuasive incentive for occupied regions to rejoin an independent, prosperous Ukraine. He also highlights the importance of renewing European security architecture, confidence-building measures, and possible future negotiation tracks with Russia once peace is secured.

• Pavel combines military realism with diplomatic aspiration: defend now, pressure economically, negotiate eventually.
• Transparency in military aid and a resilient European response to hybrid threats are central priorities.