Zelensky on Czech Radio: your support for Ukraine is helping defend all of Europe

President Zelensky said he was deeply grateful to Czech society for standing with Ukraine since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He stressed that the high state honour he recently awarded to Czech President Petr Pavel was meant not only as recognition of the Czech head of state, but primarily as a gesture towards the Czech people.

“From the very beginning, Czech citizens gave our people shelter and protection at a moment when Ukrainians desperately needed it,” Zelenskyy said. “I am extremely grateful for all these months and years of solidarity.”

Czech support seen as defence of Europe

Zelenskyy underlined that President Pavel had consistently defended Ukraine on European and international platforms, clearly explaining who Ukraine is, what Russia represents, and why Ukraine’s resistance is also a defence of Europe itself.

The Ukrainian leader also highlighted Czech humanitarian initiatives, including large public fundraising campaigns that have helped provide generators for Ukrainian cities after Russian missile and drone attacks crippled energy infrastructure.

“This was our appeal to the entire world,” he said. “And the Czech Republic responded. We are very grateful for this energy support.”

He also praised Prague’s role in coordinating international ammunition supplies for Ukraine, calling the Czech-led artillery initiative “extremely important” and noting that bringing together ammunition produced in multiple countries was a complex task that Czech authorities managed successfully.

‘Not helping Ukraine is the real risk’

Asked about criticism voiced by some Czech political parties following last year’s elections — arguing that military aid to Ukraine delays peace — Zelenskyy was unequivocal.

“I do not believe this is something that should be tested,” he said. “Ukraine is holding Russia back today. If Ukraine falls, there is a real risk that Russia will go further.”

Even for those who doubt such a scenario, Zelenskyy said the potential cost of being wrong would be catastrophic. “The price of such a mistake would be extremely high for Europe and for any country,” he warned.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s defence is not only morally justified, but strategically essential. “Ukraine is Europe,” he said. “We are defending ourselves because we were attacked — and in doing so, we are defending European values.”

L-159 aircraft and air defence

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine remains interested in Czech-made L-159 aircraft as part of its air-defence efforts, particularly in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones.

“Protecting the sky is a complex system,” he explained, listing mobile air-defence units, electronic warfare, interceptor drones and aviation. While the L-159 would represent only one element of this system, he said Ukraine would welcome their delivery as soon as possible.

He also suggested that cooperation could extend further, with testing of Czech aircraft potentially leading to future contracts beneficial for both Ukraine and the Czech defence industry.

Reconstruction, energy and Czech business

Beyond military support, Zelensky said Ukraine is open to deeper economic cooperation with Czech companies, especially in the energy sector. He noted that Ukraine had already held consultations with Czech and Polish partners and was interested in joint production projects and long-term investments.

“Energy security today is number one for national security,” Zelenskyy said, adding that rebuilding Ukraine’s energy system is also a crucial security guarantee. “We are open to Czech business.”

He argued that investors will only return to Ukraine if they have confidence that war will not resume — a reason why economic recovery must go hand in hand with strong international security guarantees.

Peace talks, guarantees and Europe’s role

Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains open to negotiations involving Russia and the United States, while insisting that Europe must be present at key stages. However, he stressed that territorial issues cannot be resolved by technical teams alone.

“Without direct contact at the level of leaders, it will be impossible to agree on territorial questions,” he said.

Ukraine, he added, is counting on security guarantees from both the United States and Europe, as well as progress towards EU membership. These elements form part of a broader 20-point framework for ending the war, which also includes a large-scale reconstruction package.

While 2027 has been mentioned as a desirable target year for Ukraine’s accession to the EU, Zelenskyy said final decisions would depend on agreement among international partners and ratification by parliaments.

A society tested by war

Reflecting on the millions of Ukrainians who have left the country since the invasion — including men of conscription age now living abroad — Zelenskyy rejected simplistic judgments.

“This war did not last weeks. Some people have been fighting since 2014,” he said. Others fled for different reasons: fear, trauma, loss of family members, or psychological exhaustion.

“I do not see millions who left,” Zelensky said. “I see millions who stayed. And because millions stayed, Ukraine is still standing.”

He acknowledged the enormous strain on soldiers who have spent years on the front line and stressed the importance of rotations and rest. While additional manpower could ease the burden, he said trust on the battlefield is crucial — and not every return can be handled mechanically or through pressure alone.

‘Europe was not prepared’

Towards the end of the interview, Zelensky offered a broader warning to Europe. Ukraine, he said, had not been prepared for occupation by a neighbouring country — and Europeans should ask themselves whether they are.

“In 2013, no one in Ukraine believed that our neighbour would occupy our territory and start killing us,” he said. “The question is whether Europe is prepared for something similar.”

Zelensky said he has raised this question repeatedly with European leaders, but has yet to receive a concrete answer. “I hope nothing happens,” he said. “But Russia is asking itself the same questions — and Russia already knows the answer.”