President Pavel on CNN: Russia trying to sow distrust and division in Europe

Russia is trying to create an atmosphere of distrust in European institutions and sow divisions among EU member states, President Pavel said in an interview with US broadcaster CNN.  Speaking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, the Czech head of state said Russia is aware that it cannot launch open military action against NATO, and has instead resorted to using indirect activities, from sabotage and violations of sovereign airspace to provocations at sea and disinformation campaigns to undermine public trust in institutions, divide Europe and discourage support for Ukraine. Pavel also warned that part of Russia's strategy is to create the impression that European countries are unable to respond effectively to such actions. He said that this strategy had backfired and had only made the European Union and NATO more united and determined to stand up to the aggressor and support Ukraine.