Czech President Petr Pavel believes that Ukraine has two months to begin peace talks with Russia; otherwise, it risks facing a further escalation of the conflict.
- Czech President Petr Pavel has called for urgent talks with Russia.
- The window for diplomatic action is limited to 20 September, when elections are due to take place in the Russian Federation.
- Pavel believes that after the elections, the Kremlin may declare a general mobilisation.
- Western allies must step up their military aid to Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s systematic strikes on Russian targets are causing problems for the Kremlin.
Urgent steps towards peace talks
President of the Czech Republic Peter Paul в an exclusive interview He told *The Telegraph* that Ukraine had around two months left to begin peace talks with Russia. If this window of opportunity is missed, the situation could lead to a major escalation of the conflict. According to Pavel, the coming weeks following NATO summit in Ankara will be crucial in putting pressure on Moscow.
The key issue is the parliamentary elections in Russia, scheduled for 20 September. Whilst the election campaign is still under way, Vladimir Putin is unlikely to risk announcing a new wave of mobilisation, as this could spark domestic discontent. However, after the elections, the Kremlin may announce a general mobilisation, which would significantly limit the scope for a diplomatic settlement.
«I believe we have the opportunity to keep up the pressure and send Russia a clear signal that we are ready to start negotiations,» said Petr Pavel.
The importance of unity amongst allies
The Czech President believes that the best way to force Russia to the negotiating table on terms acceptable to Ukraine is to demonstrate unity and strength. To this end, Western partners must make the most of the coming weeks to build up military aid, expanding defence production and stepping up diplomatic pressure.
Experts point out that Ukraine’s systematic strikes against Russian military and infrastructure targets behind the front lines are already causing serious problems for the Kremlin. However, without decisive action from its allies during July and August, the autumn could bring a new wave of escalation that would drag the war out for years.
