Lipavský to Bloomberg: West must support Ukraine until complete victory

In an interview with the U.S. Bloomberg news agency Thursday, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský underscored the importance of unwavering support for Ukraine, despite the fact that Kyiv's counter-offensive against the Russian aggressor has not yielded swift results. Lipavský emphasized that the Western allies must stand by Ukraine and not agree to a peaceful solution without meeting Ukraine's conditions, as doing so would constitute a betrayal.

Lipavsky stated: "If Ukraine is forced into a solution it doesn't accept, the West will lose – and we'll have a nation of 40 million at our borders feeling betrayed." This sentiment aligns with the position of the U.S. and the EU, which have consistently maintained that any negotiated resolution to the Russian-led war in Ukraine must have Kyiv's consent. 

The Czech foreign minister noted that while support for Ukraine among EU and NATO countries remains historically high, it is imperative not to relent, even in a situation where the counter-offensive has not achieved significant breakthroughs. The overarching goal extends beyond ending the current conflict; it aims to curtail Russia's ability to expand westward through the use of force.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been actively seeking support for his 10-point peace plan, which includes the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all parts of Ukraine. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has steadfastly refused to engage in discussions regarding the plan.

Lipavský stressed the significance of Zelenskyy's plan surviving the initial phase of debates. Notably, several countries, including China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, have expressed willingness to discuss the plan, even in the absence of Russia's participation. Some of these nations may be influenced by Russia's growing international isolation, while others may be deterred by Russia's failure to comply with agreements related to Ukrainian grain exports.

The statements Lipavský made align with the beliefs of many Western leaders who recognize the need for a principled and unwavering stance on Ukraine's invasion. The diplomatic efforts to address the crisis continue, with a focus on ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and the right to determine its own future. As the conflict persists, the international community remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its quest for peace and security.