Czech President Pavel urges tougher sanctions on Russia, aid for Kyiv

Czech President Petr Pavel, speaking to foreign diplomats, said that increasing pressure on Russia and tightening sanctions is a necessity. In his words, Moscow can be brought to the negotiating table only through joint efforts.

Pavel thanked those who set an example in helping Ukraine. He warned: “Ukraine’s capitulation would have far-reaching consequences for all of us. If we want the rules to protect us tomorrow, we must be ready to defend them today.” The president was accompanied at the event by First Lady Eva Pavlová.

The system of international law, Pavel said, is openly being called into question today. He noted that coercion and the use of force are becoming the norm again, and that international rules are all too often ignored when they become inconvenient.

The president reminded his audience that greater power brings greater responsibility, and urged the world’s major powers to recognize this. At the same time, he said, small and mid-sized states play an important role too: the influence of each on its own is limited, but by working together they can make sure their voice is heard and build relationships and coalitions based on trust, integrity and respect for shared rules.

Foreign Minister Macinka, the head of Czech diplomacy, was absent from the meeting. In a text message, he explained that he had intended to attend but had to excuse himself because of the Czech visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. He added that previous foreign ministers have also repeatedly skipped this event.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz