Czech President warns of long-lasting Russia-Ukraine conflict on eve of invasion anniversary

Pavel, who previously served as the chairman of NATO's Military Committee, cautioned against fostering expectations for a swift conclusion to the conflict.

"Our goal remains for Ukraine to regain full sovereignty over all its territory, that is, to restore the borders recognised by the global community," declared the president. At the same time, he appealed for realism regarding the speed of accomplishing these objectives.

Pavel stressed that the focus isn't for Russia to face defeat or disintegration. Instead, he said, "it should be to get Russia to respect international law, withdraw its troops from Ukraine and allow it to operate as an independent and sovereign nation".

EU ambassadors based in Prague have expressed their commitment to support Ukraine until victory is achieved. They have independently procured portable anti-drone EDM4S SkyWiper weapons.

Ambassador RP Mateusz Gniazdowski informed PAP that EU diplomats have previously supplied aid to Ukraine in this manner. For the first anniversary of the war onset, they purchased a power generator using private donations.

"This is evidence of the solidarity among the diplomatic corps of EU nations based in Prague. The members have embraced an initiative that moves beyond standard diplomatic actions," said the Polish ambassador. He highlighted the significant role of the Lithuanian ambassador, who liaised with the equipment manufacturer and coordinated the initiative.

On the eve of the second anniversary of Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, the Ceska Zbrojovka company announced a contract to supply all components for CZ BREN semi-automatic rifles to a Ukrainian partner. The Czech Defence Minister, Jana Czernochova, also verified that her country is spearheading an initiative aimed at raising around £1.1 billion for the acquisition of artillery ammunition for Ukraine. It is feasible to procure ammunition from outside of EU nations.