Newly elected Czechia president stresses importance of continued support for Ukraine
The statement came on the air of CNN Prima News on Sunday, Ukrinform reports.
The president-elect says the war is raging in Ukraine, that is, near the Czech border, but NATO, of which the Czech Republic is a member, guarantees the country’s security, so the nation’s course is correct.
"Certainly, with me (in the office, - ed.) there will be no mobilization or change of course that could drag the country into war," Pavel declared, responding to those spreading allegations during his campaign that his election would lead to the Czechs being mobilized for war.
At the same time, he noted that the path to support Ukraine will not end.
"We have to explain to people that we are a civilized and united country. We can help people who are in trouble. It is appropriate to be in solidarity as others would also help us. War touches us, but not because there are missiles flying here or someone destroying our cities or killing people by the thousands,” he said.
Pavel also emphasized that the way of international relations promoted by Russia contradicts the long-term interests of the Czech Republic.
"We want to live in an environment that respects even small states, where even states of our size can have their say. We cannot allow violations of the rules near our borders," the politician said.
The former general also noted that frustration is growing among the Russian population due to deteriorating standards of living, but also it is growing in the Russian army, "which is not used to losing."
But, he admitted, Russia still has more resources than Ukraine. According to Pavel, without the help of Western nations, the embattled nation would be doomed to failure.
Earlier, he informed that together with the President of Slovakia, Zuzana Caputova, he will visit Kyiv "in the spring." In his opinion, the trip should take place ahead of the NATO summit, which will take place in Vilnius in July.
On Sunday, the day after being elected president, Pavel had a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.
