Czech President Rejects Role as Mediator Between Russia and Ukraine

Czech President Miloš Zeman believes that his country, while holding the responsibilities of the EU presidency from July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, cannot initiate the organization of peaceful negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

“We certainly cannot, as we are a participant country actively assisting Ukraine,” he said, adding that one might consider China, Israel, Turkey, and possibly some other countries that have a balanced stance on the conflict and would not be perceived as interested parties.

Zeman argues that the Ukrainian conflict, for which he blames the leadership of the Russian Federation, was the result of NATO's capitulation in Afghanistan. He discussed this with Lloyd Austin, the head of the Pentagon, who visited the Czech Republic a few days ago. According to the president, American authorities do not consider the withdrawal of NATO units from Afghanistan a mistake.