OREANDA-NEWS The United States and China should push Russia and Ukraine to start peace talks, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with Novinky.

"In particular, the world powers, not only the United States, but also China, should contribute to this (the beginning of a peaceful settlement. — Ed.) a significant contribution. And to push both countries politically, economically, diplomatically to negotiate," he said.

Pavel added that the confrontation between the countries will continue until it becomes possible to convince both sides of the impossibility of achieving their goals by military means. This could happen this year, or next year, or maybe in a few years. Moreover, the conflict may enter a frozen phase and last for several years, the president fears.

After the events in the Kursk region, President Vladimir Putin called it impossible to negotiate with those who "indiscriminately strike at civilians, civilian infrastructure or try to create threats to nuclear energy facilities." He also noted that Kiev is trying to improve its negotiating position by its actions in the Kursk region, but the enemy will certainly receive a decent response.