Czech President Petr Pavel has called on Nato to adopt a firmer stance against Russia, warning that the alliance must respond decisively to provocations on its eastern flank. In an interview with the Guardian, Pavel, a former general and ex-chair of Nato’s military committee, urged members to consider measures including shutting down Russian internet access, cutting off banks from global financial systems, and shooting down aircraft that violate allied airspace.
Pavel expressed frustration with what he described as a lack of determination from the United States, though he avoided direct criticism of President Donald Trump. He noted that after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Moscow had learned to operate just below the threshold for triggering Nato’s Article 5 collective defence clause, which states an attack on one member is an attack on all.
He recalled that Russian military leaders had laughed at Nato’s decision-making paralysis, saying they conducted provocative actions “because we can”. Pavel argued that such behaviour was allowed to persist due to the alliance’s hesitation. He pointed to recent incidents, including a Nato jet shooting down a drone over Estonia, as examples of the ongoing challenges.
Pavel stressed that Russia “does not understand nice language” and responds only to power backed by action. He advocated for asymmetric responses that are sensitive enough to deter Moscow without causing casualties, such as disabling satellites or financial systems. He echoed warnings from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that failure to react now could lead to further escalation, as Russia’s doctrine includes “escalate to de-escalate”.
The president also called for greater pressure on Russia from US negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and urged Nato members to avoid divisions that could paralyse the alliance. He insisted that a firm line was essential to prevent Moscow from intensifying its aggressive behaviour.
