The future Czech president is a former NATO general. With this defensive background, Pavel proposes a comprehensive supply of arms to Ukraine. Kyiv needs all types except nuclear missiles. So far, some members of the alliance have lacked courage.
In the Russian war of aggression, future Czech President Petr Pavel has spoken out in favor of unlimited military support for Ukraine by the West. "As far as conventional weapons go, I really see no reason to set limits," said the former NATO general. The West should provide Ukraine with all types of weapons except nuclear ones.
"Ukraine cannot fight such a tough opponent without tanks, drones, artillery and longer-range missiles, and maybe not without supersonic aircraft," Pavel said. According to the newly elected head of state, more courage is needed - because "some countries have a somewhat reluctant position" on the delivery of modern weapons, said Pavel, without naming Germany directly.
"If we want to take a unified position that gives us the best chance of success, we have to act as one on these issues," Pavel said, referring to Poland's proposal to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the event of a joint one decision of all NATO members. The future head of state also expressed his support for Ukraine's accession to NATO. After the end of the war, this was only a "question of political will".
"In terms of agreement on values, long-term strategic interests, the ability for technical cooperation between NATO and the Ukrainian army, in my opinion, Ukraine has already fulfilled all the conditions," Pavel said. In view of the "protracted conflict and the final phase of this really hot war", the Ukrainian military will be "the most experienced, best prepared army in Europe".
Pavel won the run-off election for the presidency in the Czech Republic on Saturday and will be sworn in next month. The 61-year-old former paratrooper headed NATO's military committee from 2015 to 2018, before that he was chief of staff in the Czech army.
