Ukraine deserves NATO membership right after war ends – new Czech President

Czech President-elect Petr Pavel has told the BBC that Ukraine should be allowed to join NATO as soon as the war is over.

Source: Pavel in the interview with BBC, as reported by European Pravda

Details: In his first broadcast interview with the international media since his election, Pavel, a retired NATO general, said Ukraine would be "morally and practically ready" to join the Western alliance once the conflict had ended.

Quote: "The Ukrainian military will be probably the most experienced military in Europe. Ukraine deserves to be part of a community of democratic countries."

More details: When he was asked whether this statement refers to NATO membership as well, Pavel confirmed: "I believe they really deserve it."

He has also highlighted that the end of war is entirely in Russian hands. "It would take only one decision from President Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine and the war is over," Pavel said.

Background: Petr Pavel will swear an oath and become the President of the Czech Republic on 9 March 2023, replacing Miloš Zeman who has been holding this position for two terms which equals ten years. 

Earlier, Pavel confirmed that he was going to visit Ukraine together with his Slovakian counterpart Zuzana Čaputová in spring 2023.

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