Putin's victory in Ukraine will be a defeat for everyone - Czech president

Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine will be a catastrophe for the entire West, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with The Sunday Times.

Pavel compared the current behaviour of the West to the policy of appeasement before World War II, stressing that rumours of secret negotiations between the US and Russia, including the possible transfer of Ukrainian territories, are reminiscent of the Munich Agreement of 1938.

If we let Russia emerge from this conflict as a winner, we will all lose," the Czech president said.

He drew a historical parallel: just as the Nazis used the German minority in the Sudetenland, Russia is using the "defence of Russians" narrative promoted by Vladimir Putin. Pavel emphasised that the West has shown an unwillingness to defend the principles it formally advocates, and noted the importance of supporting Ukraine.

Pavel also believes that once the conflict is over, Europe will need a new security treaty with Moscow, similar to the Helsinki Accords of 1975. But this will only be possible after Russia recognises the territorial sovereignty of all states and agrees to limit aggressive activities.

We simply cannot allow Ukraine to lose," the Czech leader stressed.

We shall remind you that on 8 December, Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to London to meet with European leaders: British Prime Minister Kira Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss international coordination and support for Ukraine.

French President Macron said that European and US unity is critical to establishing peace between Ukraine and Russia, emphasising the need for the allies to continue working together.