Czech President Petr Pavel used an address on VE Day to remember all soldiers who died in the Second World War, including Soviet troops, but insisted that Russia’s history does not excuse its modern-day aggression, comparing its recent behavior to Nazi Germany.

Ahead of a commemorative concert marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Czech President Petr Pavel warned that modern-day Russia is displaying behavior reminiscent of Nazi Germany and called on citizens to vote for parties committed to national and democratic security.

“Unfortunately, today’s Russia behaves in some respects as Nazi Germany once did,” Pavel said on Thursday.

“It does not respect international law, it respects the right of the strongest, it has invaded a sovereign country and has been waging an aggressive war for more than three years,” referencing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Pavel also paid tribute to those who fought against fascism and imperial aggression during the Second World War, including Soviet soldiers, but emphasized that honoring their sacrifice does not extend to defending the present-day Russian regime. “It does not mean respect for today’s Russia at all,” he said.

In a message posted to social media earlier in the day, Pavel reflected on the historical significance of Victory in Europe Day, noting that “World War II marked the lives of millions of people and showed how far hatred and division in society can lead.” He warned of the tendency to forget history’s lessons, urging Czechs to remember those who “fought against oppression and injustice, and who often paid the ultimate price for our freedom.”

Pavel praised Czechia’s unwavering condemnation of Russian aggression since the invasion of Ukraine began, framing it as a moral and strategic obligation rooted in the lessons of the 20th century. “Authoritarians and aggressors must not be appeased,” he said. “We must look at today through this lens.”

As reported by Echo24, the president also warned about domestic threats to democracy, citing rising authoritarian tendencies within Czechia. He criticized efforts to rewrite or distort history, noting that even on Thursday in Prague, rallies were held where “history was distorted.” He was referring to demonstrations by the right-wing SPD and its allies in the Old Town Square in protest at increased defense spending.

Tomio Okamura’s party, which is more aligned with the official Hungarian and Slovak position on the war in Ukraine, called for immediate peace through a deal between Russia and the United States.

At a separate event, anti-government activist Ladislav Vrabel accused Czechia’s establishment politicians and media outlets of inciting anti-Russian sentiment and preparing the country for war.

Pavel concluded his address with a call for civic vigilance. “If we go to the polls this autumn, we need to vote wisely, to vote for politicians and parties that will be serious about security in our country,” he said.

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