Czech president: Expecting quick Ukraine-Russia peace deal is naive
Photo: Petr Pavel, President of Czechia (Getty Images)
Czech President Petr Pavel considers it naive to expect that a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia can be reached in the short term, according to Odkryto.
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Responding to questions about peace negotiations on Ukraine, Pavel emphasized that the dialogue is not in vain.
"Probably, everything depends on our expectations. If someone expected that an agreement could be reached between Ukraine, European countries, the United States, and Russia within a short time frame, that was certainly naive," said the Czech President.
However, he added that the fact that the positions of Ukraine, Europe, and the US have come closer and almost align is a major success, given the many conflicting statements from different sides.
Pavel stressed that the most important question is whether Russia will accept the terms for ending the war that Ukraine, Europe, and the US support.
"Russia has so far shown little willingness to negotiate or compromise. It still insists on its maximalist goals, regarding restrictions on Ukraine and its future security, and, above all, regarding territory," he added.
According to Pavel, two things are crucial now: continuing political, financial, and economic pressure on Russia, and maintaining support for Ukraine.
"History teaches us that negotiations can only succeed when both sides are in a relatively advantageous position. If that is not the case, the side in the stronger position will always be inclined to continue the conflict rather than end it," the President said.
Peace talks
A few days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to continue fighting Russia if there is no opportunity to sign a good agreement to end the war.
His remarks came amid ongoing negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Moscow continues to insist that the entire Donetsk region come under its control.
Zelenskyy emphasized that he will not hand over Ukrainian territory to Russia.
The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Geneva on February 17–18, where territorial issues are expected to be a key point of discussion.
