In an interview with The New York Times (NYT) published on Monday, Czech President Petr Pavel said that Ukraine must be realistic about its war objectives and accept that some territory may remain, at least temporarily, under Russian occupation.

Pavel, described by the NYT as one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters against Russian aggression, stressed that Ukrainians and their allies need to face what he called “reality.”

“The most likely outcome of the war (…) is that part of Ukrainian territory will be temporarily under Russian control,” Pavel stated during his visit to the United States. He noted that there are “many examples” of territories held by Moscow on a temporary basis.

Maximalist Goals Unattainable

Pavel argued that neither side—Ukraine nor Russia—will achieve their maximalist goals. “Talking about the defeat of Ukraine or Russia is unrealistic,” he said, adding, “the resolution will lie somewhere in between.”

His comments were echoed by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Pirate Party), who admitted that Ukraine is currently unable to reclaim all its lost territory.

“That’s the reality we see,” he stated. However, Lipavský clarified that this doesn’t mean Ukraine should be pressured into ceding territory to Russia, thereby legitimizing the aggressor’s claims.

Ukraine’s Future on the World Stage

Foreign Minister Lipavský emphasized the importance of key principles, including respect for the UN Charter and the protection of territorial integrity. “It must be Ukrainians who decide the fate of Ukrainian territory,” he told reporters in New York, echoing the stance of most Western leaders.

This week, Ukraine will be a central topic at the UN General Assembly in New York. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to call for increased military and political support when he addresses the Assembly on Wednesday. He will also present a “roadmap to victory” during a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday, which he plans to later make public.

Domestic Pressure in the Czech Republic

Despite the Czech Republic’s strong support for Ukraine—along with Poland and the Baltic states—the country is facing growing domestic pressure to scale back aid and encourage Ukraine toward a settlement with Russia.

According to a summer poll, nearly two-thirds of Czechs would support a quick end to the conflict, even if it meant some Ukrainian territory remaining under Russian control.

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