PRAGUE – Czechia is seeking to reassure allies it has not drifted toward Moscow after weeks of controversy around its new government, choosing Kyiv to deliver the message.
Foreign Minister Petr Macinka struck a firmly pro-Ukraine tone during a visit on Friday, saying Prague wants to make dialogue with Kyiv a priority and quickly rebuild ties.
“Ukraine has shown its willingness to make painful compromises for peace,” Macinka said alongside his Ukrainian counterpart. “Now it is time for concessions on the Russian side.”
Macinka also confirmed continued backing for the Czech-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine, despite sharp criticism of the project during the election campaign.
The visit follows growing unease among Ukraine’s allies over the Czech government’s reliance on the far-right SPD, led by Tomio Okamura, whose New Year’s speech questioning Ukraine’s leadership sparked a diplomatic row and raised fears of a softer line on Russia.
Concerns deepened in December when Prime Minister Andrej Babiš sided with Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico to secure exemptions from a €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine.
Delayed by overnight Russian missile strikes, Macinka’s Kyiv trip aimed to dispel any perception of a pro-Russian pivot. He also signalled closer cooperation on air defence and counter-drone capabilities, describing Ukraine as among the world’s most advanced in the field.
(cs)