Fiala praised the progress in peace talks on Ukraine, must have security guarantees

Prague – Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) appreciated the progress in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine following Monday’s meeting between American President Donald Trump and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky along with representatives of European countries. The Czech Republic, together with European nations, considers it important for Ukraine to receive strong security guarantees, the Prime Minister stated in a statement to ČTK today.

Trump announced late at night after the meeting with Zelensky and European representatives at the White House that preparations had begun for a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. According to him, this meeting would be followed by a trilateral discussion on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine with his participation. Trump also mentioned that security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed at the meeting, which various European countries would provide in cooperation with the USA. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with the Kremlin chief in any format.

“I am pleased with the further progress in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. The Czech Republic, together with European countries, considers it important for Ukraine to receive strong security guarantees and thus have – just like all of Europe – the assurance that another Russian attack will not be repeated,” Fiala stated today for ČTK. In the afternoon, he will participate in a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing, which will be followed by a video conference of the European Council.

According to Defense Minister Jana Černochová (ODS), Europe should demand that a ceasefire be agreed upon before peace is concluded. “A ceasefire as a prelude to peace is appropriate because we do not want more and more people to die,” she said today in an interview for Seznam Zprávy. If Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate with Zelensky, the toughest sanctions should follow, she stated.

In connection with security guarantees for Ukraine, where foreign soldiers could potentially be part of peacekeeping forces, Černochová stated that nothing like that is currently on the table for the Czech Republic. If Czech soldiers were to operate in Ukraine after a ceasefire is concluded, it could be similar to the situation after the military conflict in the former Yugoslavia, according to the minister. Czech units would not be on the front line of the war conflict, she said. According to her, Czech soldiers could participate, for example, in training, logistics, demining efforts, and a chemical unit could also be involved. (August 19)