Czech President Petr Pavel has urged Nato to adopt a firmer stance against Russian provocations, warning that the alliance risks emboldening Moscow if it fails to respond decisively. In an interview with the Guardian, Pavel, a retired general and former chair of the Nato military committee, called for asymmetric measures such as switching off Russia's internet, cutting its banks from global financial systems, and shooting down aircraft that violate allied airspace.
Pavel’s Military Background Shapes His View
Pavel’s extensive defense experience, including years of direct talks with Moscow on the suspended Nato-Russia council, makes him a unique voice among European leaders. He expressed frustration with what he sees as a lack of determination from the United States to keep pressure on Russia, though he avoided direct criticism of President Donald Trump. However, he previously told Czech media that Trump had done more to undermine Nato’s credibility in a few weeks than Vladimir Putin had in years.
Russian Tactics Below Article 5 Threshold
Pavel noted that after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Moscow learned to operate just below the threshold of Article 5, which considers an armed attack on one member an attack on all. Russian military leaders, he said, laughed at Nato’s decision-making paralysis, often responding to questions about provocative actions with “because we can.” He warned that if Nato does not respond firmly to current violations, Russia will likely escalate.
Recent incidents include a Nato jet shooting down a drone over Estonia, believed to be a Ukrainian unit redirected by Russian electronic warfare. Similar disruptions have occurred in Latvia and Lithuania, with Russia accusing Baltic states of collaborating with Ukraine, a claim they deny.
Asymmetric Responses and a Final Push
Pavel advocated for asymmetric measures that are sensitive but not lethal, such as disabling internet or satellites, or cutting Russian banks from the financial system. He echoed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s warnings that failing to react now would lead to further Russian aggression. He also called for a “final push” on sanctions to force Russia to negotiate, tying sanctions relief to a ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine.
Domestic Dispute Over Nato Summit
Domestically, Pavel is locked in a constitutional dispute with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš over who should represent the Czech Republic at the upcoming Nato summit in Ankara. Despite accusations of acting as an opposition figure, Pavel insists it is a matter of principle and is prepared to take the issue to the constitutional court. He humorously suggested that if excluded, he might attend a ZZ Top concert instead, but would gladly miss it for the summit.
