Martin Fendrych writes in an iROZHLAS commentary that Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is again speaking about peace and posting videos in a “No war” T-shirt, while Vladimir Putin, in the author’s assessment, does not want peace and continues the war against Ukraine. The contrast between Babiš’s appeals and Russia’s actions sets the article’s theme: Europe is working on defence and deterrence even without Babiš taking part in those efforts.
Fendrych cites Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s warning that intelligence points to possible Russian plans for hybrid drone and missile attacks against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland. The author also describes a scenario for NATO’s eastern border: provocations in a small town in Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania involving local collaborators and unidentified Russian troops. This is a possible development in the author’s analysis, not confirmation of a specific plan or an attack that has taken place.
Czech President Petr Pavel, quoted by Fendrych, considers such a development possible and likely and urges people to take Russia’s statements seriously. The columnist argues that Babiš is underestimating the threat. The prime minister criticises Europe for not talking enough about peace, while also proposing a joint anti-ballistic defence system called Europatriot.
According to the author, Europe is already developing defence projects without Babiš’s initiative: France and Italy have modernised the Mamba (SAMP/T) system, and ten European countries have joined a coalition to develop Freyja. The article says the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Norway are also members. Fendrych concludes that Europe is preparing deterrence amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, while Babiš remains outside the practical effort.