"When Russia is defeated, it retreats"

WORLD: Mr. Lipavský, Russia is trying to blackmail the EU by provoking an energy crisis. Prices are rising, many people in Europe are worried about freezing in winter. Thousands have already taken to the streets in Prague against high costs and for the lifting of sanctions against Russia. Is this just the beginning? Is public support for Ukraine waning?

Jan Lipavský: It is indeed a difficult situation, a test for our democracies. Putin is putting pressure on the entire continent with his energy weapon and his colonial war against Ukraine. However, we are not unprepared. We can pass this test if we stick together as Europeans. Certainly, individual governments have to take certain measures in their countries, but at the same time we have to work together in the EU. There are a number of countries that have no access to the sea, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Austria. We depend on supplies coming to us from partner countries. So I know from my experience that we need more interconnectors and certain market interventions. My government currently holds the EU Council Presidency. I can tell you that we attach particular importance to overcoming the energy crisis.

WORLD: Do you assume that protests will increase if the financial pressure on people increases?

Lipavský: The protests in Prague were a warning to all Europeans that something needs to be done. However, I want to emphasize that the protests were organized by pro-Russian groups, even if many people who took part in the demonstration are simply worried about their future. Russia, however, additionally fuels such a mood through certain influential groups. I can see that governments are launching relief packages all over Europe, in Germany, including here in the Czech Republic. The results of the regional elections confirm that we still have a majority of support for aid to Ukraine and that the relief is taking hold.

WORLD: The Europeans also support Ukraine militarily. The Ukrainian army is successfully using western systems in the course of its counter-offensive. How should the country be helped now?

Lipavský: Our military support for Ukraine must continue, it must even be expanded. The fact that Ukrainian forces have been able to retake territory, that they have acted so efficiently against the Russian invaders shows that they are capable of dealing with modern Western weapons. The will of the Ukrainians to fight and restore their territorial integrity is great. I am proud that the Czech Republic is one of the leading arms suppliers to Ukraine. For example, we were the first to deliver attack helicopters to Ukraine. So far we have delivered military goods to the equivalent of around two billion euros to Ukraine. This number was just released by our Secretary of Defense.

WORLD: In Germany, the possible delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine is being discussed. So far, the Chancellery has ruled out such. What do you expect from the federal government?

Lipavský: Everyone is looking at Germany right now. There just aren't many platforms for main battle tanks. The leopard is the most common in Europe. Ukraine still uses Soviet-designed battle tanks. We have supplied such tanks, but they are no longer produced. I am grateful to Germany for the ring exchange programs. For example, we get Leopard tanks. Germany does a lot for Ukraine, especially with regard to arms deliveries. Direct deliveries of Leopard tanks would be the next step in helping the country. But of course it is up to the federal government to decide.

WORLD: The Russian army gives a bad picture. Putin has ordered a mobilization, threatening to use nuclear weapons. How worried are you that Russia will further escalate the war?

Lipavský: If Russia is defeated, it retreats. We saw that after the Kyiv operation, also on Snake Island or in Kharkiv. Russia can be beaten, and Russia knows how to retreat. That Putin is making nuclear threats is very dangerous. We can be happy that we are members of NATO. Our alliance is also a nuclear alliance. The US is a partner under whose nuclear umbrella we are. US President Biden did well to warn Putin. We must take the threats seriously, but we should not be intimidated by them.

WORLD: Many observers suspect that the explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines could have been an act of sabotage by Russia. Is this the next escalation level?

Lipavský: I'm not interested in whether Putin believes that such measures can escalate. We just have to be more vigilant and better protect our critical infrastructure. Undersea cables could also become the target of attacks in the future. That would massively affect our communication. The priority, however, is to continue to support Ukraine. Because the war is being waged in Ukraine.