Czech leaders: Ukraine 'must agree' with terms to achieve peace

Any lasting peace agreement in Ukraine must have Kyiv’s full consent and ensure Russia does not threaten other European nations, Czech leaders said in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized that peace efforts must meet two fundamental conditions. “First, Ukraine must agree to it. And second, it must prevent Russia from attacking other European states,” Fiala said Thursday. His remarks followed news that Trump and Putin spoke for over an hour and agreed to pursue negotiations to end the war, which Russia launched nearly three years ago by invading Ukraine.

Trump later held a separate call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and announced plans to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia. European officials, however, have insisted that no agreements should be made without Ukraine and European nations at the table.

“The war is happening here in Europe, so the terms of the ceasefire will affect us immediately. Europe cannot be a mere spectator,” said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, stressing that security discussions should remain within transatlantic cooperation with the U.S.

Other Czech lawmakers echoed concerns that a settlement without Ukraine’s approval could lead to further instability. Deputy Speaker of the lower house Jan Bartošek warned that negotiations must not result in a temporary ceasefire that merely allows Russia time to regroup. “If this is to be a lasting peace, not a mere pause before another war, Ukraine and the EU must be directly involved,” he said.

MEP Jan Farský expressed concern that without European presence at the talks, Trump could pressure Zelenskiy into making concessions that weaken Ukraine’s security. “Europe must now act in unison, otherwise others will decide for us,” he said.

Czech Senate foreign relations committee chairman Pavel Fischer argued that by engaging with Putin, Trump had provided the Russian leader with a political lifeline, easing his international isolation. Fischer also warned that Russia, backed by allies such as Iran, China, and North Korea, remains a major threat. "It would only be a matter of time before Russia attacks again," he said.

While some opposition figures see Trump’s proposed meeting with Putin as a possible step toward broader negotiations, others remain skeptical. MP Klára Kocmanová suggested the talks were more about Trump’s domestic political interests, but said Ukraine and Europe would not be sidelined. “The U.S. is still actively negotiating with Ukraine,” she noted, adding that Washington and European allies remain committed to Kyiv’s defense.