Czech President: Ukraine Can Win by Out-Innovating Russia

Czech President Petr Pavel says that Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia’s invasion hinges not on manpower, but on technology, innovation, and Western support, while warning that Russia’s true goal remains Ukraine’s total submission, not a negotiated compromise, The Gaze reports.

In an interview with the BBC, Pavel said Ukraine is showing “enormous determination and courage” despite its disadvantages in population and manpower compared to Russia.

“We — I mean Western countries — are trying to provide Ukraine with military, financial, and material support. But of course, there is one limitation: we cannot provide personnel. This is a limitation Ukraine has, unlike Russia,” he explained.

Pavel pointed out that while Russia has far more people “who are still willing to fight” and “does not value human life,” Ukraine cannot mobilize at the same scale.

“Ukraine is determined to fight, but with a limited population, it can only succeed through more advanced technologies and innovation — and that is exactly what they are doing.”

He praised Ukrainian efforts to ramp up domestic weapons production and develop new tactics and equipment “almost every day,” but cautioned that this still may not be enough to achieve quick victory.

Asked about speculation that Russia’s current summer offensive could be its last large-scale push before considering serious peace talks, Pavel voiced strong skepticism.

“Personally, I don’t believe that. I don’t trust Russian arguments at all,” he said.

“When they say they don’t aim to completely defeat Ukraine, one only needs to listen to statements from President Putin or [Foreign Minister] Sergei Lavrov to understand what they really want.”

“If they want Ukraine to submit to all of Russia’s demands, that’s not a compromise on the battlefield. That’s a total defeat for Ukraine — total control over its territory, the imposition of Russian conditions, and subordination of Ukraine to Moscow’s will.”

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