Czech President: Ukraine must give up territory

Published 24 September 2024 at 13.48

Foreign. Ukraine must be “realistic” in its view of what it can achieve – and it should prepare to cede territory to Russia. This is stated by Czech President Petr Pavel.

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President Pavel is a former NATO general and a strong supporter of Ukraine. In an interview with the New York Times, however, he says that the Ukrainians should be “realistic” about their goals in the war.

He states that the likely outcome is that Ukraine may be forced to cede part of its territory to Russia, at least temporarily. He added that this state of affairs could last for several years.

Pavel stressed that both Ukraine and Russia need to lower their expectations and that a total defeat of either side is unlikely. Instead, he sees a compromise as a more likely solution. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský has also expressed similar views and pointed out that Ukraine cannot currently regain all occupied territory, but that this does not mean that the country is forced to give up areas.

The question of Ukraine's future is in focus at the UN: s general assembly in New York this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to appeal for continued support and will also present a “victory plan” to US President Joe Biden.