Czech President Does Not Guarantee Continuation of Military Support to Ukraine After Parliamentary Elections
The remarks and stance of Czech head of state Petr Pavel mark a significant shift in the country's foreign policy context amidst ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and international efforts to support Kyiv. Pavel explicitly stated that he cannot currently provide any assurances regarding the continuation of military aid to Kyiv following the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2025. These elections are viewed as a potential turning point that could reshape the internal political landscape of the Czech Republic, leaving the future of its support for Ukraine uncertain. In his interview with BBC, Pavel emphasized that his current focus is on maintaining a unified approach to security and defense issues, asserting that support for Ukraine forms an integral part of the nation’s own security strategy. However, he also highlighted that future government decisions depend heavily on election outcomes and the makeup of the new parliament. The possibility of a change in government raises concerns about a potential shift in Czech policies towards aid to Ukraine, which could impact Kyiv’s strategic plans. Pavel has been engaging in ongoing discussions with parliamentary leaders to stress the importance of adhering to shared principles in security and foreign policy, even after the elections. Nevertheless, he clarified that he cannot offer any guarantees, as much will depend on the political forces that emerge victorious and their priorities. This situation is especially critical given Czech active support for Ukraine, including initiatives such as collecting funds and leveraging contacts in countries reluctant to openly support Kyiv, to procure artillery shells through third countries. The Czech parliamentary elections are set for October 3 and 4, 2025. The leading contender for the prime minister’s position in the event of an opposition victory is former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, head of the ANO movement, currently topping the polls. Recently, Babiš voiced opposition to supporting Ukrainian refugees, indicating possible policy shifts that could have profound implications for Czech-Ukrainian relations and Western support.