The Czech President calls on NATO to ‘show its teeth’ in response to Russia’s provocations
Czech President Petr Pavel has called on NATO to “show its teeth” in response to Russia’s actions near the Alliance’s eastern flank.
In an interview with The Guardian, he stated that provocations from Moscow should receive a “sufficiently decisive, potentially even asymmetrical” response.
Pavel suggested considering various options for a response, including cutting Russia off from the internet, restricting Russian banks’ access to the international financial system, or shooting down aircraft that violate NATO countries’ airspace.
According to the Czech president, following the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has learned to act in such a way as not to cross the line that could trigger Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
“They have developed a pattern of behaviour that almost reaches the threshold of Article 5, but always remains just below it,” said Pavel.
He stated that the Russian military had repeatedly justified their provocative actions by saying that “they are allowed to do so”.
“When I asked them why they were carrying out these provocative actions in the air, dangerous close encounters or flights over military ships in the Black or Baltic Seas, they replied: ‘Because we can.’ It is precisely this behaviour that we have allowed,” noted the Czech President.
Pavel emphasised that if violations of NATO airspace continue, the allies must be prepared to shoot down both unmanned and manned aircraft.
He also stated that the Alliance should consider asymmetric measures that do not involve human casualties but would be sufficiently painful for Russia.
Among the possible measures, he mentioned restricting internet or satellite systems, as well as cutting Russian banks off from the international financial system.
The Czech President expressed concern that the West’s stance towards Russia is not tough enough and stated that some European leaders continue to favour diplomatic solutions, even though, in his words, Moscow is showing no willingness to compromise.
Pavel also stated that NATO risks losing its ability to act collectively if it fails to respond to the current violations.
He believes that Russia may escalate its actions if it does not receive a firm response.
Separately, the Czech president commented on negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. He said that the US and Europe must increase sanctions pressure on Russia to force it to the negotiating table.
Pavel stated that sanctions could only be eased on condition of a ceasefire and the start of peace talks.
The Czech President also expressed the view that Europe is not actively enough shaping its own policy towards Russia and the future security system.
“We are mostly waiting to see what comes from Washington,” he said.
Pavel is a former general and ex-chairman of NATO’s Military Committee. In 2023, he won the presidential election in the Czech Republic.
