Petr Pavel backs Ukraine support

Czech President Petr Pavel used the opening of the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague on May 21 to argue that continued support for Ukraine serves European security, not charity. Pavel said backing Kyiv was “a direct investment in Europe’s own security,” according to reports from the conference and remarks carried by media outlets covering the event. Gen. Karel Řehka, the chief of the Czech armed forces’ general staff, separately said Ukraine’s eventual entry into NATO would be a “logical step.” The comments put two of the country’s top security figures in public alignment on Ukraine at a conference focused on Europe’s defense posture. ### Where did Pavel make the remarks? GLOBSEC opened in Prague on May 21 and runs through May 23 under the auspices of Pavel, according to the conference program. The forum describes itself as a major European security gathering and lists Pavel as the host of the opening session. Euromaidan Press, citing Pavel’s opening address, reported that he told the conference: “Supporting Ukraine is not a charity. This is a direct investment in Europe’s own security.” Other reports from the same appearance said Pavel warned that a “bad peace” for Ukraine would carry consequences for Europe for decades. (events.globsec.org) ### What was Pavel arguing about Ukraine support? Pavel framed the war in Ukraine as a European security issue rather than a limited bilateral conflict. Reports on his speech said he argued that Ukraine was defending Europe and reshaping military practice through battlefield experience. (euromaidanpress.com) The Czech president has made similar arguments before. In a February visit to Kyiv, Prague Castle said Pavel discussed U.S.-led peace talks, reconstruction and Czech involvement in recovery projects, including hospital renovation support under the EU-funded Ukraine Facility. ### What exactly did Karel Řehka say about NATO? (euromaidanpress.com) POLITICO reported on May 21 that Řehka said Ukraine should join NATO in the future as the next “logical step.” He told POLITICO’s Speakeasy at GLOBSEC that Ukraine was “not just a security consumer, it’s also a security provider,” while adding that the issue would depend on political consensus. (hrad.cz) POLITICO’s event schedule shows Řehka appeared in Prague on May 21 for a discussion on Europe’s security landscape, military readiness and future threats. That places his remarks in the same conference setting as Pavel’s intervention. ### How does this fit the Czech position? The Czech Republic has been one of Ukraine’s military backers since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and Czech official channels have previously highlighted arms-supply coordination with partners including Denmark and the Netherlands. (politico.eu) The presidency and defense establishment have also repeatedly cast Russia as a long-term threat to European security. (politico.eu) RFE/RL reported in February that Pavel told demonstrators in Prague the outcome of the war would shape Europe’s long-term security. His May 21 remarks at GLOBSEC were consistent with that line, though the conference comments came as part of a broader debate in Europe over future aid levels and security guarantees for Kyiv. (acr.army.cz) ### What comes next after these remarks? GLOBSEC continues in Prague until May 23, with European leaders, officials and security experts on the program. NATO’s debate over Ukraine aid and long-term security arrangements is continuing in parallel, including discussion among allies over future funding commitments and the terms of any eventual guarantees for Kyiv. (events.globsec.org) (rferl.org)