Czech President warns that Ukraine's surrender would threaten global rule of law

At a diplomatic gathering, President Petr Pavel expressed gratitude to individuals aiding Ukraine and noted the conflict’s five-year duration. He maintained that a coordinated strategy is essential to compel Russia to negotiate and cautioned that any Ukrainian capitulation would have profound, global repercussions. Pavel highlighted the erosion of international law, where force is increasingly normalized, and urged greater collaboration on issues such as supply-chain resilience and climate change.

He appealed to major powers to recognize that greater authority entails greater responsibility, while also underscoring the importance of smaller and medium-sized states in forming reliable alliances. The president promoted Czech strengths—industrial capacity, talent, and innovation—as assets for potential partners. The event was attended by the first lady Eva and foreign minister Petr Macinka was absent.