Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky has expressed concern over Russia's expansive ambitions, suggesting that a defeat of Ukraine could lead to further aggression in Europe.
According to Ceske Noviny, Lipavsky stressed the serious implications of allowing Russian advances.
"The defeat of Ukraine would bring new resources to the victors and open the door to further 'special military operations' in Central and Eastern Europe... The war in Ukraine is also our war. Our future is at stake. If we allow Russia to destroy Ukraine, if its aggression goes unpunished, other predators around the world will follow it," Lipavsky stated.
He emphasized the importance of stopping Russia's aggressive actionsthrough continuous support for Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia and its allies.
Lipavsky criticized Europe's "strategic procrastination" post-Cold War, citing failures to respond to Russia's actions in Georgia, Crimea, and against regime opponents as missed warnings.
Echoing these sentiments, Pentagon head Lloyd Austin warned that Ukraine's loss could compel NATO to engage directly with Russia. Similarly, Junior Foreign Minister Andrew Mitchell referred to supporting Ukraine against Russia as "the greatest challenge of our generation" in a House of Commons speech on February 28.
