Diplomatic Work, Support for Ukraine’s Resilience and Reconstruction: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Held a Meeting with Petr Pavel

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In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, both in one-on-one and an expanded format.

The Head of State noted that Petr Pavel is a true friend of Ukraine and has walked a long path together with us throughout all the years of the full-scale war. As a sign of respect and gratitude to the President of the Czech Republic and his country, Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Petr Pavel with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, I class.

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Ukraine values all political, economic, and humanitarian support from the Czech Republic. The President specifically highlighted the Czech artillery initiative launched in 2024, which has proven effective and provides Ukraine's Armed Forces with the necessary ammunition. Petr Pavel noted that the new Czech Government has continued this initiative.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed his counterpart on the situation at the front and Ukraine's reconstruction needs. Today, in these extremely harsh winter conditions, Ukrainians have to restore essential services every day after Russian strikes. The leaders also discussed the delivery of aircraft to counter "shahed" drones.

"Each of these strikes against our energy sector and our cities quite clearly shows Russia's real interests and intentions - they are not interested in agreements, but in the further destruction of Ukraine. And this is precisely why diplomacy is stalling," emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Head of State stressed that, despite everything, the Ukrainian team is actively working with the envoys of the U.S. President, and relevant meetings are scheduled for the coming days. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov, and Servant of the People faction Chairperson in the Verkhovna Rada Davyd Arakhamiia are currently on their way to the United States.

"The Ukrainian delegation is currently en route to the United States, and we hope there will be more clarity both on the documents that we have already largely prepared with the American side and on Russia's response to all the diplomatic work that has been taking place and is taking place," said the Head of State.

The President of the Czech Republic emphasized that Ukraine must continue to be supported and that pressure on Russia, including economic pressure, is necessary.

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"I am confident that the efforts personally made by the President will soon lead to a unified position from the United States and Europe in the peace negotiations. This will allow for coordinated pressure on Russia, which may finally begin to engage in talks. So far, we see this willingness only on the part of Ukraine," added Petr Pavel.

The leaders also discussed the implementation of important decisions and initiatives at the European level, primarily the allocation of EUR 90 billion to Ukraine over two years from the European Union.

According to the Head of State, Ukraine also expects significant involvement in the pan-European SAFE defense program, having already demonstrated its ability to produce effective weapons in cooperation with partners. In particular, there is potential for artillery and drone production, including interceptor drones, together with the Czech Republic. In addition, active joint work with partners under the PURL initiative will continue to be necessary.

ph	Meeting Between the President of Ukraine and the President of the Czech Republic 16 January 2026 - 12:17