Czech President Urges Ukraine to Resume Peace Talks Amid Russian Escalation Threat
Czech President Petr Pavel has warned that Ukraine must restart peace talks with Russia or face a massive escalation of the war. In an interview with The Telegraph, Pavel stated that there is still a 'window' to push for peace and open a dialogue with Moscow.
'Russia will have parliamentary elections in September. President Putin will hardly declare mobilisation before, but once the elections are over, then the window will shrink,' Pavel said. He added that if Ukraine continues to successfully hit targets deep inside Russian territory, it could create conditions where Russia becomes more inclined to negotiate.
Kremlin Dismisses Peace Proposals, Sources Warn of Escalation
Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that President Vladimir Putin is dismissing any proposal for peace talks, signaling a potential escalation in the nearly four-year-long conflict. The warnings come as Russia also wages a quieter war against Europe through covert drone operations.
Last week, the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) released a report revealing that Russia launched hundreds of drones and covert UAVs across Britain and Europe from its shadow fleet, targeting airports, military bases, and nuclear sites. Affected locations included RAF Fairford, Feltwell, Lakenheath, and Mildenhall, as well as dozens of sites across continental Europe.
Russian Shadow Fleet Used for Drone Launches, IISS Reports
'We assess it is likely that Russian-linked vessels and the 'shadow fleet' were used as launch or recovery platforms for UAVs as part of the Kremlin's wider unconventional war on Europe,' the IISS warned. Since 2024, mystery drone sightings have plagued airports, military bases, and civilian areas, with Russia increasingly testing European air defenses.
The IISS added that 'the Kremlin was likely able to map reaction times, coverage gaps and limitations across European integrated air defences.' The drones also spied on critical infrastructure to prepare for a 'decisive opening operation in high-intensity conflict,' the report concluded.
