Czech President Urges NATO to Respond Firmly to Russian Airspace Violations

Czech President Petr Pavel urged NATO to respond more firmly to Russian actions that test the alliance's eastern flank. Speaking to The Guardian in Prague, Pavel said Moscow's behavior has repeatedly approached but stayed below the threshold for invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty.

" Pavel proposed several measures, including disabling internet or satellite links, cutting Russian banks from global financial systems, and shooting down aircraft that violate allied airspace.

A retired general and former chair of the NATO military committee, Pavel has years of direct talks with Russian officials through the now-suspended NATO-Russia council. He expressed concern that some European leaders favor diplomatic solutions even when Russia shows no interest, which he said could leave NATO divided.

U.S. pressure on Russia and said the alliance should tie any sanctions relief to a ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine.

At home, Pavel is in a constitutional dispute with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš over who should represent the country at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. The disagreement follows earlier clashes, including Pavel's refusal to appoint a coalition politician as minister, which drew street protests in February.

Pavel said the issue is one of principle regarding the president's role and that he remains open to compromise.