Czech President at UN: A Russian Victory Would Legalize the Triumph of Force

Czech President Petr Pavel warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine would have catastrophic consequences for the global order and called for increased economic pressure on Moscow. His remarks were delivered during debates at the UN General Assembly.

“If Russia wins this unjust war, it will legalize the triumph of brute force. Turning a blind eye to the war in Ukraine is giving a green light to any future aggressor,” Pavel emphasized.

He stressed that only unity among democratic countries and strong economic sanctions can compel Russia to come to the negotiating table.

“This is the only way to bring the aggressor to the negotiating table. Peace based on international law, including territorial integrity and the right to self-determination, serves not just European countries but the entire international community. Any future peace agreement must clearly signal that aggressors cannot be rewarded and borders cannot be changed by force,” he said.

Pavel highlighted that Russia’s invasion has altered global security, noting that over the past year, the world has become less safe. Russia continues to attack civilians, infrastructure, foreign diplomatic missions, and even violated Polish airspace.

He also pointed to Russia’s hybrid warfare, including disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and sabotage on Czech territory.

Criticizing Russia as a UN Security Council member, Pavel noted that countries like China, Iran, and North Korea help Moscow circumvent sanctions. He argued that the Security Council fails in its role due to Russia, and Czechia supports reforming it for better effectiveness, transparency, and regional representation.

“Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, not only violates the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter but also sets a dangerous precedent, signaling that aggression can bring territorial and political gains while remaining unpunished. This war threatens to destroy our system of governance based on mutual respect, equal partnership, and rules we all follow. What happens today in Europe could happen anywhere tomorrow under similar pretenses,” Pavel warned.

His statements echo President Zelenskyy’s call for a new security system after highlighting the weakness of current international institutions.