Agencies
As the war in Eastern Europe grinds on with no clear end in sight, Czech President Petr Pavel has warned that Ukraine may not currently have the military strength to retake all of its occupied territories without incurring unsustainable losses.
In a candid interview with the BBC, the former NATO general stressed that Ukraine should now focus on preserving its statehood, institutions, and sovereignty—even if it means accepting “temporary borders.”
Pavel, who formerly served as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, is known for his unwavering support of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. His remarks come amid growing global concern about the feasibility and cost of reclaiming regions such as Crimea and Donbas from entrenched Russian forces.
“Ukraine’s military is resilient and brave, but the cost of a total offensive could be catastrophic,” Pavel said. “Survival as a functioning, sovereign nation must come first.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Kyiv has vowed to retake all occupied land. Yet, despite significant support from allies such as the European Union and the United States, Ukraine has struggled to make major breakthroughs on the battlefield. The counteroffensive of 2023 yielded limited territorial gains, highlighting both the tenacity of Russian defenses and the brutal cost of offensive warfare.
Pavel’s argument rests not on conceding defeat, but on strategic patience. He warned that insisting on an all-out military solution could drain Ukraine’s already strained human and material resources, while weakening internal stability and public morale.
“A collapsed Ukraine helps no one, least of all Ukrainians,” he added. “We must support a strong and stable Ukraine—even within temporary lines.”
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For many Ukrainians, the thought of leaving any land in Russian hands is deeply painful. Cities such as Mariupol and Severodonetsk have become symbols of suffering, resistance, and loss. However, international observers are increasingly pointing to the need for flexibility in how Ukraine pursues its long-term objectives.
Some experts argue that Kiev should focus on strengthening its democratic institutions, reinforcing its economy, and deepening integration with Western alliances, rather than risking everything on the battlefield. A stable Ukraine, they argue, is a more effective counterweight to Russian influence in the region than a ruined one.
President Pavel’s remarks do not imply legitimizing Russian occupation—a stance that remains unacceptable to both Kyiv and its allies. Instead, he emphasizes the need to hold the line, survive politically and economically, and build for the future.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to press the international community for more support—especially in terms of advanced weaponry, air defense systems, and financial aid. As winter approaches and the humanitarian toll deepens, voices like Pavel’s offer a sobering reminder: wars are not only won on the battlefield, but also through endurance, diplomacy, and the strategic preservation of strength.
