Czech President Petr Pavel urges NATO to take stronger, asymmetric action against Russia

Czech President Petr Pavel called on NATO members to respond more decisively to Russian provocations on the alliance’s eastern flank. In an interview, he suggested that NATO could adopt “asymmetric” measures that do not kill people but are clearly felt, such as cutting Russian internet and satellite services, isolating Russian banks from the global financial system, and, if airspace violations continue, considering the downing of drones or piloted aircraft.

Pavel cited frequent Russian aircraft flights over warships in the Black and Baltic Seas and referenced the recent NATO fighter shoot‑down of a drone that strayed into Estonian airspace, as well as similar incidents over Latvia and Lithuania. He criticized what he sees as insufficient pressure from the United States and warned that without a firm response, Russia may further escalate. Pavel also linked increased sanctions on Moscow to a cessation of hostilities and negotiations over Ukraine, urging the West to tie any easing of sanctions to a genuine ceasefire.