Prague is leading an initiative to purchase 500,000 155 mm and 300,000 122 mm caliber artillery shells for Kyiv. Overall, 18 countries have agreed to finance the purchases within the Czech-led initiative. While some governments — including from Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands — have announced actual financial commitments, others, such as France and Germany, haven’t provided exact figures. … Read more
On March 2, days before Fiala canceled the informal retreats, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Turkey. Fico reported the pair discussed “the possibilities that may arise at a planned peace summit in Switzerland,” and said the meeting with Lavrov expressed “our balanced and sovereign Slovak foreign policy … Read more
“It is a recognition of the challenge Ukraine faces, and that there is a bit more give, it’s a credit to the French. They’ve had a longstanding concern [about purchases from non-EU countries], and it’s a sign that they are willing to be pragmatic,” said Mujtaba Rahman, Europe head of the Eurasia Group. Ahead of … Read more
“Today’s demonstration does not have much in common with the fight for better conditions for farmers,” Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on X. “The demonstration is organized by people who, for example, do not hide their support for the Kremlin and pursue goals other than the interests of farmers.” “We deal with those who really … Read more
“The EU and its member states must renew their efforts and step up their military support,” the leaders wrote, and “it must continue to be a collective effort. “We call on friends and partners of Ukraine to recommit to sustainable long-term military support for Ukraine as a joint European responsibility,” they added. “Only then will … Read more
Not another partygate saga! Czech Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka is facing demands for his resignation after revelations that a Christmas party at his ministry continued despite a mass shooting in Prague earlier that day by a gunman who killed 14 people. The minister said previously that he had ended the party prematurely at 9 … Read more
A shooter killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more in a violent attack at Charles University in Prague on Thursday afternoon before being killed himself, according to Czech police. “The shooter has been eliminated!!! The entire [university] building is currently being evacuated and there are several dead and dozens injured,” Czech police reported Thursday … Read more
