The escalating conflict in Ukraine continues to reveal the undeniable truth that Russian forces are gaining ground.
This reality is becoming increasingly apparent, even to the most steadfast supporters of Kiev, who are now urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to acknowledge the situation.
According to Gateway Pundit, President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic, a former senior NATO general and a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, has called for a realistic assessment of Ukraine's chances of reclaiming territory seized by Russia. While the Czech presidency is primarily ceremonial, Pavel's voice carries weight, aligning with the center-right government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala. As a former chief of the Czech militarys general staff and past chairman of NATOs military committee, Pavel's influence on security matters is significant.
The New York Times quoted Pavel as saying, The most probable outcome of the war, he said, will be that a part of Ukrainian territory will be under Russian occupation, temporarily. But, he added, that temporary thing, could last years. He further stated that neither Russia nor Ukraine could achieve their maximalist goals, implying that Kiev would not be able to regain its territory under Russian control. To talk about a defeat of Ukraine or defeat of Russia, it will simply not happen, Mr. Pavel said in his office at Prague Castle this past week, So the end will be somewhere in between.
Despite President Zelensky's refusal to engage in direct talks with Russia and his insistence on Russia's withdrawal from all 'Ukrainian territory', public sentiment appears to be shifting. Polls indicate a significant increase in Ukrainians willing to accept territorial concessions, rising from 8 to 32 percent.
The Czech Republic, along with Poland and the Baltic States, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine. However, public pressure is mounting to limit aid and encourage Ukraine to negotiate with Russia. A recent opinion poll revealed that nearly two-thirds of Czechs would support a swift end to the war in Ukraine, even if it meant leaving some territory under Russian control. Conversely, 54 percent of Czechs oppose sending weapons to Ukraine.
Pavel dismissed Hungarian PM Viktor Orbn's suggestion that Ukraine should quickly sue for peace and cease draining European resources as 'nonsense'. However, he also emphasized that Ukrainians need to be 'realistic about the support that they can achieve' from EU governments under pressure to reduce military aid.
The issue is linked to populism, Mr. Pavel said, Its easy to say, Lets stop providing Ukraine with weapons and ammunition and then the peace will come on its own. [] As someone with some experience with defense and security, and with knowledge of Russia, I know that peace will not come from a declaration by Ukraine that it will stop fighting. Russia, he said, will not stop its military activities.
Pavel criticized Orbn's repeated claims of wanting peace while others want war, stating, "Constantly repeating [like Orbn] that everybody else wants war, but I want peace that would make me look much better than all the others, Mr. Pavel said, Unfortunately, most people do not realize that such a proposal is unrealistic.
The situation in Ukraine remains complex and fraught with uncertainty. However, the need for a realistic assessment of the situation and the potential for compromise is becoming increasingly clear. As the conflict continues, the voices calling for a pragmatic approach to the crisis are growing louder, underscoring the need for a resolution that respects the realities on the ground.
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