Czech President Petr Pavel hopes for a fair peace agreement for Ukraine and clear prospects for its EU and NATO membership.
Speaking at the panel discussion "Security Dividends: European Support for Ukraine" at the Munich Security Conference, Pavel emphasized that Ukraine must have the means to defend itself until it joins NATO and the EU.
"We all want a peace agreement that is as just for Ukraine as possible and measures ensuring that, at least in the foreseeable future, it can repel any attack. At the same time, we must lay all necessary foundations for Ukraine’s accession to both institutions," he stated.
He also stressed that Ukraine's partners should already be preparing for both its negotiating position with Russia and post-war reconstruction, suggesting that a Marshall Plan for Ukraine would be an excellent initiative.
Pavel underlined that Ukraine’s EU membership would be the clearest demonstration of Russia’s failure and reiterated that Ukraine should ultimately become a NATO member.
He pointed out that Europe is taking on more responsibility in security matters and should be part of any negotiations regarding Ukraine.
"If we take on more responsibility, we must have a seat at the table," he stated, referencing Czechoslovakia's historical experience as a warning of what happens when a nation's fate is decided without its involvement.
Finally, Pavel emphasized that Putin’s goal was to erase Ukraine from the map, and the best response is to ensure Ukraine’s integration into European and transatlantic structures.
