NATO preparing for high-intensity conflict in Europe, says Czech Prez

On Wednesday, the countries of the Visegrad Group, a cultural and political alliance of the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, also known as the Visegrad Four, the V4, and the European Quartet, gathered at Prague Castle to hold a V4 leaders’ summit.

They discuss the most pressing international issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East and the future of the European Union.

"Not only the Czech Republic but also all NATO members consider Russia to be the No. 1 threat to Europe. This means that there is a necessity to prepare for such a war under realistic conditions. All [NATO] forces are preparing for a potential high-intensity conflict in Europe," Pavel told the press conference following the V4 leaders’ summit.

"At the same time, the president said NATO did not want such a development and that predictions of a likely conflict were "a realistic warning, not something that is bound to happen."

Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24 last year.

Western countries responded by imposing comprehensive sanctions against Moscow while also ramping up their military support for Kiev.

Russian and Ukrainian delegations have engaged in several rounds of peace talks since then, but the negotiations ultimately reached an impasse.

(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)