Story perspectives

Czech President Calls NATO to Shoot Down Russian Drones

5/23/2026

Summary

Pavel Urges NATO

Czech President Petr Pavel urged NATO to shoot down Russian aircraft and consider internet disruption.
Since March, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have crossed Baltic and Nordic airspace, prompting fighter deployments.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson asked NATO to help Kyiv direct drones and said Latvia and Estonia defended the incursions.
European NATO members pledged defence spending of 5% of GDP.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the threat claims nonsense.

Summary

Pavel Disputes Summit

President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš dispute attendance at the summit in Ankara.
The dispute follows Pavel’s refusal to appoint a coalition minister, sparking February protests.
Pavel offered to join informal summit debates while the government handles defence talks.
He urged U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to link sanctions relief to a ceasefire.
He warned that war on Iran raises Moscow oil income, narrowing Europe’s pressure window.

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Pavel Urges NATO

Czech President Petr Pavel urged NATO to shoot down Russian aircraft and consider internet disruption.
Since March, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have crossed Baltic and Nordic airspace, prompting fighter deployments.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson asked NATO to help Kyiv direct drones and said Latvia and Estonia defended the incursions.
European NATO members pledged defence spending of 5% of GDP.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the threat claims nonsense.

1 / 2