Greatest threat to Europe: Czech President believes Russia ready to annex part of EU countries

Czechia, Tue, November 28, 2023 - 23:32

President of Czechia, Petr Pavel (Photo: Getty Images)

Russia currently poses the most significant and direct threat to European security and NATO allies, states Czech President Petr Pavel.

In his words, the regime of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin openly declares a fight against the collective West. According to Pavel, Russian imperial ambitions would have no limits if these boundaries were not set.

"If allowed, Russia will unquestionably annex regions of the former Eastern Bloc," he noted.

The Eastern Bloc was a term used in the West in the second half of the 20th century to denote pro-Soviet states in Central and Eastern Europe. In Europe, the Eastern Bloc comprised Albania (until 1961), Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, Poland, Romania, and Czechoslovakia.

Whom the significant danger threatens

The President of Czechia states that a significant danger looms over countries that are not yet members of the European Union and NATO.

"This is why it's crucial to support countries like Moldova, Georgia, or Bosnia and Herzegovina," he stated.

Additionally, the President of Сzechia adds that Russia brought about a far-reaching military conflict in Europe, causing immense human suffering and destruction in Ukraine.

Continued assistance needed for Ukraine

Pavel mentions that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, unleashed an imperialist, bloody campaign against a sovereign country and committed war crimes on a scale not seen in Europe for the past 80 years, except for the massacre in Srebrenica.

He affirms the necessity to continue supporting Ukraine politically, economically, and militarily. Pavel stresses the substantial responsibility of policymakers regarding strategic communications.

"Personally, at home, I have repeatedly explained that our own security is at stake in Ukraine," he stated.

The appetites of the Russian Federation may increase

President Pavel adds that not all leaders of countries share his viewpoint. During his short presidential term, he had to converse with some leaders whose opinion about Russia was entirely different.

"My goal is not to judge them but to listen and explain how current events relate to our country's historical experience," he said.

He also believes that if Russia benefited from its aggression, its appetite would grow. Moreover, this could inspire other countries to use military force to pursue their interests.

Other statements by Petr Pavel on the war in Ukraine

Previously, Czech President Petr Pavel stated that Russia could fully restore its combat readiness within six years.

Pavel also mentioned that the current situation on the battlefield did not indicate that Ukraine could gain a military advantage, and time favored Russia.

Furthermore, Pavel stated that the supply of weapons needed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for success was currently being hindered. The ongoing military operations in Ukraine carried a significant risk, specifically war fatigue.

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