Czech President Petr Pavel Supports Expanded Assistance to Ukraine

Czech President Petr Pavel believes that Europe should not limit its abilities to support Ukraine.

He stated this at a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Pavel called for expanded forms of assistance, including the possible presence of foreign troops in Ukraine.

According to him, it is not about sending combat units, but about forms of assistance and “non-combat participation.”

“I am in favor of looking for new ways, including continuing the discussion about a possible presence in Ukraine. Let’s not limit ourselves where we shouldn’t,” the Czech President said, adding that Europe should play a bigger role in deterring Russia.

Pavel believes that it makes no difference whether Ukrainian soldiers, for example, will be trained with Western instructors abroad or directly in Ukraine.

“Ukraine, although under attack, is still a sovereign country,” he said, reminding that the possible training mission is not a violation of any international rules.

“It is up to us to decide what form of assistance we will choose,” Pavel added.

Last week, Macron said that “we cannot rule out” the possible deployment of Western troops to Ukraine.

He later added that his resonant words were carefully thought out.

At the same time, the French President’s statements provoked a negative reaction from the governments of the allied countries, whose leaders were quick to assure that they would not send troops.

While most NATO countries have ruled out sending troops to Ukraine – including major players such as Germany, the UK, and the United States – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said he was grateful for the debate initiated by Macron.