Pellegrini: War is exhausting Europe, a new approach to negotiations is needed

Call for a change in tactics

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini emphasised that the prolonged war by Russia against Ukraine is causing moral and economic exhaustion across the European continent. The politician called for the European Union to be involved in the negotiation process with the aim of ending hostilities.

The remarks were made during a press conference following the summit of the leaders of the 'Visegrad Group' (V4).

Economic pressure on member states

“Європу починає ця війна виснажувати морально й економічно. Мільярди, які потрібні на допомогу Україні, щоб вона могла захищатися від агресора, зрештою бракують у лікарнях, школах і в інфраструктурі окремих країн-членів” (This war is beginning to exhaust Europe morally and economically. The billions needed to help Ukraine defend itself against the aggressor are ultimately lacking in the hospitals, schools and infrastructure of individual member states), Pellegrini stressed.

According to the head of state, the deficit in European budgets is already leading to citizen protests over the rising cost of living.

Pellegrini believes that it is impossible to spend up to 100 billion euros a year on a war of attrition and do nothing to stop the fighting.

Context of financial support

This year, EU leaders approved a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine. Following October negotiations in Brussels, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv would ask partners for an additional 70 billion euros.

Prague's position

Czech President Petr Pavel, in turn, called for a more coordinated European approach to peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. He noted that a lack of coordination undermines trust in Europe in the eyes of Russia and other international partners.

In addition, according to Pavel, uncoordinated actions may create an impression in societies that European leaders are doing nothing.