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The Czech president, Petr Pavel, has urged Nato to “show its teeth” in response to Russia’s repeated testing of the alliance’s resolve on its eastern flank, suggesting a range of options including switching off its internet, cutting off its banks from global financial systems and shooting down jets that violate allied airspace.

Speaking to the Guardian in Prague, Pavel called for “decisive enough, potentially even asymmetric” responses to counter Moscow’s provocative behaviour against the alliance, warning that without such actions the Kremlin could intensify its activities.

Coverage comparison

Pavel’s comments were reported by the Guardian in two separate pieces. The first, an interview, focused on his call for stronger Nato action and his frustration with the United States’ approach. The second, a live blog from the GLOBSEC Forum 2026 in Prague, captured his remarks warning that peace in Europe is no longer the default state of affairs and that Europe must step up its own defence.

Both reports relied on direct quotes from Pavel and summaries of his statements, and both highlighted his concerns about Europe’s overreliance on US protection and the need for greater European self-sufficiency in security matters.

Key claims

Pavel, a retired general and former chair of the Nato military committee, expressed frustration with what he described as “a lack of determination to keep pushing from the United States on Russia,” although he steered clear of direct criticism of Donald Trump, noting that he did not think “any direct criticism of the United States will help at this point.” He has previously told Czech media that Trump had done more to undermine Nato’s credibility than Vladimir Putin had managed in years.

Pavel argued that Moscow had learned how Nato operates following its annexation of Crimea in 2014, and had “developed a behaviour style to almost meet the threshold for Article 5, but always keeping it slightly below that level.” Article 5 states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all.

He said Russian military leaders had at times laughed at the alliance’s decision-making paralysis, and he stressed the need for Nato members to take a firm line on Russia.

At the GLOBSEC Forum 2026, Pavel warned that Russia will continue to be Europe’s main security threat for decades, as the continent wakes up from being overreliant on US protection. He stressed the need to bring the EU and Nato closer to help Europe step up its defence, and called for Europe to “pull all the levers” to get itself into the best position.

“If Ukraine is forced into a bad peace, we will all live with consequences for decades,” he said, adding that there is “no time to lose” as capabilities, not spending, are key for Europe’s ability to defend itself.

The forum, which runs through Thursday, brings together over 2,000 state officials, foreign policy and security experts from Europe and beyond. Speakers include the European Commission’s vice-president, Henna Virkunen, and the former Nato secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Pavel is also locked in a constitutional dispute with the Czech prime minister over who should represent the country at the Nato summit, the Guardian reported.

Perspectives

The Guardian’s reporting presents two main perspectives. On the one hand, Pavel is portrayed as a strong advocate for a tougher Nato stance, arguing that decisive and asymmetric responses are necessary to deter Russian provocations. He is also depicted as a critical voice on Europe’s dependence on the US, urging the continent to bolster its own defence capabilities.

On the other hand, the reporting highlights the US administration’s perceived lack of determination, as seen through Pavel’s comments. While he avoided direct criticism of Trump, his remarks reflect a broader anxiety among allies about Washington’s commitment to Nato. The Guardian notes that Trump has continued to cast doubt on the future of US commitments to the alliance, a theme that underpins Pavel’s concerns.