In a recent seminar on the Czech Republic's security strategy, Jan Lipavsky, the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic representing the Pirates and Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) party, issued a stark warning about the deteriorating security environment of his country in a bid to fend off Vladimir Putin's threats.
Lipavsky also called for increased investments in the defence sector.
The Czech minister stressed the urgency for the country to face the new reality and adapt its security strategy in the coming months.
He said: "The Czech Republic is not safe today. A conflict is taking place close to the border. The threat comes not only from Russia but also from China, but NATO membership is important for us."
Drawing attention to the significant deterioration in the security landscape, Lipavsky emphasised that both security forces and citizens must respond promptly.
To ensure widespread consensus, Lipavsky revealed that the new Security Strategy is being openly discussed with the aim of garnering the highest possible understanding across society.
He said: "The security environment has deteriorated significantly. Not only the security forces but also the citizens themselves have to react to this. That is why we are discussing the new Security Strategy publicly to find the highest possible understanding across society on the resulting document."
Lipavsky underlined the necessity of collaboration with allied nations and the allocation of resources toward bolstering security and defence capabilities.
He also reminded the current Czech government's commitment to updating the strategic document from 2015.
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Eva Decroix, an MP from the ruling Civic Democratic Party (ODS, ECR), confirmed that the government may deliberate the new strategy as early as June.
Jan Jires, the Director of Defence Policy and Strategy at the Czech Defence Ministry, echoed Lipavsky's concerns.
Jires emphasised that the country must be prepared to confront a technologically advanced enemy in a potential long-term war scenario. Identifying Russia as the most significant threat to their security,
Jires highlighted the alarming rise in the probability of an attack on a NATO member state.
He warned: "The probability of an attack on a NATO state has increased significantly, and Russia remains the most significant threat to our security."
As tensions escalate near the Czech borders and the need for a revised security approach becomes increasingly urgent, Lipavsky's warning resonates, calling on the government and citizens to prioritise defence investments and collective security measures.