Czech President warns Ukraine against hasty counteroffensive

He made the statement in an interview with the Guardian.

President Pavel noted that Ukraine no longer has the element of surprise that it had during the counteroffensive in the Kherson region, and said that he had previously asked Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal not to push "into a faster pace before they are fully prepared."

"Because it might be a temptation to push them, for some, to demonstrate some results. It will be extremely harmful to Ukraine if this counteroffensive fails, because they will not have another chance, at least not this year," the retired general said.

The Czech president noted that Ukraine recognizes the existence of certain gaps in the preparation of the offensive.

"Apparently, they still have a feeling that they do not have everything to start successfully an operation," Pavel explained.

He also warned that Ukraine will inevitably face "terrible losses" regardless of the strength of its forces, so this operation must be successful.

"Because it’s extremely demanding in terms of putting together personnel equipment, ammunition logistics, fuel financing. It will simply be one chance this year, so it has to be successful," Pavel comments.

• Earlier it was reported that Ukraine's early membership in the EU is in the Czech Republic's interest, and it should insist on the start of negotiations between Ukraine and the EU.