In a recent meeting of the Visegrad Group (consisting of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland), Czech President Petr Pavel labeled Russia as the primary threat to European countries. He emphasized that the armed forces of EU member states are preparing for a high-intensity conflict. This statement, reported by RBC, sheds light on the growing concerns regarding the situation in Ukraine.
President Pavel expressed his belief that it would take years for the Russian Armed Forces to regain their combat capability after the conflict in Ukraine. However, despite this assessment, he underscored that NATO member states still perceive Moscow as the “number one threat.” As a result, European armies are making preparations for the possibility of a high-intensity conflict on the continent.
Furthermore, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that his country is already implementing a program to modernize and strengthen its military. President Duda urged his fellow countrymen to be well-prepared for any potential aggression.
Previously, President Pavel had stated that assistance provided to Ukraine should focus on defending the country without escalating the conflict. These remarks align with the concerns expressed by a retired Czech army general, who criticized Ukraine’s mistakes during their counteroffensive.
The statements made by the Czech and Polish presidents highlight the increasing tension in Europe and the need for heightened military readiness. As Russia continues to be seen as a significant threat, European nations are taking proactive measures to ensure their defense capabilities.
