According to unofficial sources, on May 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may make an unannounced visit to the Czech Republic, which has generated active interest among local media and analysts
Based on information circulated by Czech outlets Seznam Zprávy and iDNES.cz, this visit could become a significant event in the contemporary diplomatic relations of Central European countries, but no official confirmation has been received thus far. The Czech side has prepared for the possible visit of the Ukrainian leader — in Prague, on May 4, the presidential residence, Prague Castle, is scheduled to be closed to visitors from 11:00 to 16:30 local time. According to sources, this may indicate preparations for important negotiations. Representatives of Czech President Petr Pavel’s office have not yet officially commented on this information, citing the lack of confirmation regarding Zelensky’s potential visit. This possibility suggests that the upcoming meeting could cover a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, security, and support for Ukraine in its confrontation with Russian aggression. Journalistic sources indicate that during the visit, President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska may hold talks with Czech President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. It is noteworthy that this visit would not be the first in an unannounced format — for instance, in July 2023, the Ukrainian leader traveled secretly to Prague, with his arrival happening without extensive media coverage, a common practice for high-ranking officials during diplomatic trips amid wartime conditions. Meanwhile, in the opposite direction, on March 21 of this year, Czech President Petr Pavel visited Ukraine as part of an official visit, which was another step in supporting Kyiv and strengthening bilateral ties. This visit received broad media coverage and was seen as an important sign of solidarity and readiness on both sides to cooperate in addressing crises and countering Russian aggression. Anticipation and speculation around Zelensky’s possible visit to the Czech Republic are growing, especially against the backdrop of developing diplomatic relations in the region and increasing international support for Ukraine. Such unannounced visits play a significant role in shaping and implementing Kyiv’s strategic goals and those of its partners. For now, we await official confirmation or comments from the governments of both countries.