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Czech Chief of General Staff Karel Řehka warned that Russia will not become more predictable or friendly following a potential resolution to the war in Ukraine. Speaking on Czech Television, he emphasized the need for Czechia to continue strengthening its military capabilities.
The statement comes as European leaders, including those from Poland, Germany, and Denmark, are due to attend a hastily planned meeting in Paris today to discuss the U.S.’s planned direct talks with Russia.
Řehka said that resolving the conflict in Ukraine in a lasting manner would be difficult, with the possibility of renewed hostilities remaining a concern. According to the army head, Czechia needs to bolster its army reserve to prepare for Russia’s continued hostility. He added that Czechia needs to spend at least 3 percent of its GDP on defense for the foreseeable future.
Under the Czech military’s current development strategy, the armed forces aim to reach 30,000 conscripted soldiers and 10,000 active reservists by 2030. However, Řehka noted that achieving the planned increase of professional soldiers to 37,500 would require careful analysis. Given demographic trends and current recruitment levels, he said, this goal may not be feasible.
"We will have to meet the requirements of defense in a different way, perhaps with some new form of military service. It may be compulsory, it may be voluntary," Řehka suggested. He also raised the possibility of units that could be quickly reinforced through mobilization. Currently, the Czech army has approximately 23,600 soldiers, including around 1,000 who have enlisted in the past five years.
The ongoing war, which Russia launched almost exactly three years ago, has gained renewed international attention due to discussions about possible peace negotiations.
The discussion on Czech Television also featured Agriculture Minister and Christian Democrat leader Marek Výborný, who insisted that Europe must play an integral role in any peace talks regarding Ukraine. "It is our responsibility to ensure that peace is not negotiated without Ukraine, the victim of aggression," Výborný said.
However, Radim Fiala, vice chairman of the opposition Freedom and Direct Democracy party, took a more skeptical stance, arguing that Europe lacks the strength to be a meaningful partner to the U.S. in negotiations. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said late last week that the war could only end under Ukraine’s terms, and insisted that Europe needed to be part of talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
