Pavel warns Europe risks being sidelined in talks on peace in Ukraine

President Petr Pavel has warned that Europe could be excluded from decisions about its own security unless it puts forward clear demands and proposals for peace negotiations over Ukraine.

Speaking after attending a Czech cabinet meeting Monday, Pavel said Russia, the United States and China could reach an agreement “about us, without us” if European governments wait too long to act.

He argued that a diplomatic opening currently exists, but could close while European countries seek complete agreement on their negotiating position and who should represent them.

Pavel’s remarks followed his telephone conversation last Wednesday with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. They discussed the previous day’s call between Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pavel said his conversation with Stubb lasted approximately half an hour and focused particularly on whether Russia appeared receptive to negotiations.

“We agreed completely that talking to Russia is in our interest,” he said.

According to Pavel’s account of what the participants reported, Moscow had shown some openness to talks. He said Europe should respond rationally and arrive well prepared.

Ideally, as many European countries as possible would support a shared position, Pavel added. However, he acknowledged that securing agreement among every country on both the substance of negotiations and the choice of negotiators might prove impossible.

Waiting for that ideal outcome could mean missing the opportunity, he warned.

“If Europe does not clearly engage with its demands, plans and proposals in peace negotiations, a situation could very quickly arise in which Russia and the US, together with China, agree about us, without us,” Pavel said.

Because the discussions concern European security, he described that possibility as exceptionally serious.

Pavel also endorsed Czech participation in guarantees for a proposed European Union loan to Ukraine, taking a position that differs from the government’s reported approach.

Politico reported that EU member states want to reach agreement by the end of this year on a loan worth approximately EUR 45 billion, or CZK 1.1 trillion, to help cover Ukraine’s financial needs in 2027.

The arrangement would be backed by the current EU budget. According to Politico, Czech and Slovak representatives indicated at October’s summit that they again did not want to participate in the guarantees.

Pavel said support for Ukraine serves Czechia’s own interests.

“Support for Ukraine is not a matter of philanthropy, but a matter of our national interest—not only in terms of security, but economically as well,” he said. For that reason, he supports Czechia helping guarantee an EU loan.

The president said he had not discussed the issue with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš during Monday’s meeting. The proposed loan remains under negotiation, with its final form and participating countries yet to be settled.