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While Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day unconditional cease-fire backed by European allies and the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin is “once again looking for ways to avoid it,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Monday in a statement to ČTK.
Fiala emphasized that pressure on Moscow must continue and said the Czech Republic will maintain its support for Ukraine by providing ammunition, training Ukrainian pilots, and supplying heavy equipment.
"The way to a just and lasting peace is to support the Ukrainian army,” Fiala said. “It is once again becoming clear who wants war and who wants peace. Pressure on Moscow must continue—it is the only way to end the suffering of millions.”
Fiala was responding to Putin’s weekend proposal for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on May 15. The Kremlin has not yet accepted the cease-fire terms and, according to spokesman Dmitry Peskov, sees “no point” in being pressured into doing so. Peskov reiterated that Russia will not be intimidated by sanctions.
Ukraine and several European countries proposed the cease-fire on Saturday, calling for it to take effect on Monday. If Russia declines, European and U.S. officials say they will coordinate new sanctions.
In a late-night address Sunday, Putin ignored the ceasefire offer and instead proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, marking the first such suggestion since early 2022.
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also voiced doubts about Russia’s intentions, telling CNN Prima News that Moscow has shown no real steps toward peace. “It’s important that the other side be deterred from future attacks,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed the skepticism. Merz said fighting must stop before talks can begin, while Macron warned that Putin’s offer may be a tactic to buy time.
Lipavský will attend an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Turkey on May 14–15 to help prepare for the June summit in The Hague, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.
The meeting comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul on Thursday, though Kyiv says any talks must follow a ceasefire.
NATO is expected to focus on deterrence, aid to Ukraine, and raising defense spending. Alliance leaders may consider increasing defense budgets to 3.5 percent of GDP, per a proposal by NATO chief Mark Rutte.
Future of European support for Ukraine
The call for continued pressure on Moscow comes as the “Europe as a Task” conference opens at Prague Castle, focusing on European security and support for Ukraine.
The two-day “Europe as a Task” summit begins on Monday, coinciding with Europe Day and the 21st anniversary of Czechia’s accession to the European Union.
President Petr Pavel opened the conference alongside European leaders, including former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and European Commissioner Teresa Ribera. Topics include Ukraine, EU enlargement, competitiveness, and global trade.
