Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the chargé d’affaires of Czechia in a reciprocal move following Prague’s decision to call in Ukraine’s ambassador over comments made by Czech parliament speaker Tomio Okamura. During a press briefing, spokesperson Herorhii Tykhyi emphasized that this action aimed to preserve the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Tykhyi reaffirmed Ukraine’s appreciation for the support from Czechia, highlighting the unyielding solidarity shown by the Czech people since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He expressed hope that the contentious remarks of individual politicians would not undermine the fruitful cooperation that benefits both countries amidst the significant security challenges currently faced by Ukraine, Czechia, and Europe as a whole.
Vasyl Zvarych, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, characterized Okamura’s statements as “offensive and full of hatred,” asserting that they reflect a viewpoint heavily influenced by Russian propaganda. Okamura has publicly expressed skepticism regarding military assistance to Ukraine, labeling the ongoing war as “absolutely senseless” and criticizing the expenditure on arms as diverting essential funds from Czech pensioners, the disabled, and families with children.
In his remarks, Okamura accused Western entities and what he termed “Ukrainian thieves around the Zelenskyy junta” of profiting from the conflict and used inflammatory rhetoric suggesting that Czechia should distance itself from Ukraine regarding EU membership.
Despite the rising tensions, Ukrainian officials are intent on maintaining the strategic partnership with Czechia, illustrating their commitment to regional stability and cooperation during these turbulent times.