US and Europe could share role for Ukraine’s security, says Czech president
Photo: Czech President Petr Pavel (Getty Images)
Czech President Petr Pavel, in an interview with European Pravda, stated that security guarantees for Ukraine could consist of two components: a US deal on minerals and guarantees from European countries.
Speaking about a potential agreement between Ukraine and the US, Pavel noted that the presence of American businesses in Ukraine suggests the US would be inclined to protect these interests.
At the same time, he said another component of the guarantees would come from European countries that have "declared their willingness to support Ukraine."
"And now, we talk mostly about the newly organized 'coalition of willing' countries that are able and willing to deploy some stabilizing force to Ukraine once a peace agreement is achieved," the president explained.
When asked why he does not consider Ukraine's NATO membership among the security guarantees, Pavel pointed to the stance of US President Donald Trump on the issue.
"We have seen the American President discarding the option of early membership of Ukraine in NATO. If it is an obstacle to achieving a peace agreement, let it be because NATO membership has not been an issue for a couple of months. It will need a longer time," Pavel said.
He added that the issue should not be taken off the table entirely.
"Let's have it (Ukraine's NATO membership -ed.) as an open issue for the future because politicians come and go. The US administration will be different in three years. So, we may see a different view with the new administration," he concluded.
Recently, Czech President Petr Pavel visited Odesa. During his meeting with Ukrainian officials, Russia launched drone attacks on the city using Shahed-type UAVs.
Yesterday, Pavel commented on whether he had witnessed the overnight attack in Odesa.
For a long time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO would serve as a security guarantee to deter Russia in the future. Moreover, it is one of the key elements of Ukraine's victory plan.
Trump’s administration has ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Washington does not see Ukraine’s membership in the alliance as realistic.
However, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that providing Ukraine with guarantees under NATO’s Article 5 without full membership remains a topic of discussion.
