Czechia may train Ukrainian troops in Ukraine - Czech President
Photo: Czechia is considering training Ukrainian military in Ukraine (Getty Images)
Czechia is considering the possibility of training the Ukrainian military directly on the territory of Ukraine, stated Czech President Petr Pavel during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Pavel said that if a decision is made to deploy Western troops in Ukraine, Czechia could deploy a training mission in Ukraine.
"There are a number of other opportunities, but they will obviously depend on the outcome of negotiations. Including hypothetical insurance forces that could be deployed on (Ukrainian – ed.) territory. They are now slightly out of question," said the Czech President.
However, he assured that if the relevant decision is made, Czechia will consider holding certain specialized exercises either in Ukraine or on its territory.
"And we have other capabilities as well where we can assist Ukraine in building their own capacity," he said.
He emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine begin with strong support for Ukraine, which is aimed at making it as strong as possible in future negotiations.
"The weaker position for Ukraine is at the beginning, the worse are the guarantees for the future," Pavel said.
The Czech President emphasized that the strongest guarantee of Ukraine's security would be a strong and well-equipped Ukrainian army.
"This is what we will be working on, by providing our assistance, specialised training, providing equipment and cooperating with the Ukrainian military," he stated.
Czechia's aid for Ukraine
Earlier today, Czech President Petr Pavel warned that the United States' withdrawal from the ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine would be a gift for the Kremlin.
Yesterday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala in Uzhhorod.
Among other things, the countries agreed to cooperate in training Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots.
