In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel in a one-on-one format, as well as in an expanded format.
The Head of State noted that Petr Pavel is a true friend of Ukraine and has stood with Ukraine throughout the years of the full-scale war. As a sign of respect and gratitude to the President of the Czech Republic and the entire Czech nation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Petr Pavel the Order of Yaroslav the Wise, First Class.
Ukraine values all political, economic, and humanitarian support provided by the Czech Republic. The President specifically highlighted the Czech artillery initiative launched in 2024, which has proven effective and is supplying the Armed Forces of Ukraine with much-needed ammunition. Petr Pavel noted that the new Czech government has continued this initiative.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed on the situation at the front and Ukraine’s reconstruction needs. Today, amid a very difficult winter, Ukrainians are forced to restore normal living conditions on a daily basis following Russian strikes. The leaders discussed the supply of aircraft to counter Shahed drones.
“Each of these strikes on energy infrastructure and on our cities clearly demonstrates Russia’s real interests and intentions: they are not interested in agreements, but in the further destruction of Ukraine. That is precisely why diplomacy is stalling,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Head of State stressed that, despite everything, the Ukrainian team continues active engagement with representatives of the President of the United States, and relevant meetings are planned in the coming days. National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov, and Head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada Davyd Arakhamia are currently en route to the United States.
“The Ukrainian delegation is now on its way to the United States, and we hope there will be greater clarity both regarding the documents we have essentially already prepared with the American side and regarding Russia’s response to all the diplomatic efforts that have taken place and continue to take place,” the President noted.
The President of the Czech Republic emphasized the need to continue supporting Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia, including through economic measures.
“I am confident that the efforts personally made by Mr. President will, in the near future, lead to a unified position between the United States and Europe in peace negotiations. It will be possible to create joint pressure on Russia, which will finally begin negotiations. So far, we see this political will only on the part of Ukraine,” Petr Pavel added.
The leaders also discussed the implementation of important decisions and initiatives at the European level. First and foremost, this concerned the allocation of €90 billion to Ukraine over two years by the European Union.
According to the Head of State, Ukraine also expects meaningful participation in the pan-European SAFE defense program, as it has already demonstrated its ability to produce effective weapons in cooperation with partners. In particular, there is potential in artillery and drone production, including interceptor drones, together with the Czech Republic. In addition, continued active joint work with partners within the PURL program is needed.
