Welcome to Hard Talk on the BBC World Service with me, Stephen Sacker.

My guest today once declared that he had no interest in entering politics.

Well, times change.

And now former Czech General Petit Pavell is getting used to life as his country's elected president.

Having served in top positions inside the NATO military hierarchy,

as well as the Czech armed forces, Petit Pavell became increasingly concerned that his country's

politicians were pursuing a dangerous course, away from the liberal democracy of the EU,

and toward a nationalist, populist brand of politics,

exemplified by Viktor Orban in nearby Hungary.

Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine was also an important factor.

President Pavel's opponent in January's presidential election,

former Czech Prime Minister Andrei Babiish, was lukewarm in his

support for Kiev. As it turned out, Pavel won the presidency easily. It is tempting to see that

as a sign of Czech resolve to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Tempting too, to see it

as a sign that the populist nationalist trend in one significant

capital in Eastern Europe has been reversed.

But is that really true?

Well, today, I've journeyed to Prague, and I'm joined now by President Peter Pavel.

Welcome to Hard Talk.

Thank you very much.

I must start, Mr. President,

by congratulating you on your recent inauguration, but I must admit it doesn't really make sense

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