The Czech Republic has refused to participate in a 140-billion-euro military aid package for Ukraine, approved by NATO allies at the summit in Ankara. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced the decision on Wednesday, marking a deepening rift in the alliance’s unified response to Russia’s war.
At the Ankara summit, NATO members confirmed that they would deliver 70 billion euros in military equipment, assistance, and training to Ukraine this year, with a pledge to maintain at least a similar level of support in 2027. The final declaration also welcomed the European Union’s decision to provide long-term financing under the Ukraine Support Loans program. However, Babiš’s statement placed the Czech Republic outside this collective effort.
This is not the first sign of tension in Czech-Ukrainian relations. In June, Jindřich Rajchl, chairman of the parliamentary club of the ruling SPD party, called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be stripped of the highest Czech state decoration – the Order of the White Lion. The award was granted by then-President Miloš Zeman in 2022 for Zelensky’s courage in rejecting a U.S. offer of safety and remaining in Kyiv during the early phase of the war.
Political backlash over honorific decision
– We cannot remain silent when our highest state decoration is held by a person who calls military units nazi monsters – argued Rajchl, as quoted by the CTK agency. He said he would ask President Petr Pavel to revoke the order. Rajchl pointed to the decision of Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who stripped Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle after the Ukrainian leader granted one of the Armed Forces of Ukraine units the name 'Heroes of the UPA’.
The Czech prime minister’s announcement comes amid growing frustration among some NATO members over the pace and scale of aid to Ukraine. While the majority of allies remain committed to the package, Babiš’s move signals a potential fracture in the bloc’s solidarity. The decision also raises questions about the future of Czech-Ukrainian bilateral relations, especially given the history of support Prague has provided since the invasion began in 2022.
Implications for nato unity and ukraine’s war effort
The 140-billion-euro package is designed to sustain Ukraine’s defensive capabilities through 2027, covering heavy weaponry, ammunition, training programs, and logistical support. Without the Czech contribution, the total funding remains largely intact, but the political message is clear: not every ally is willing to maintain the same level of commitment. Babiš did not specify reasons for the withdrawal, but his government has previously expressed concerns about the economic burden of prolonged aid and the need for a negotiated settlement.
Analysts suggest that the Czech stance could embolden other skeptical voices within NATO, particularly in countries where public opinion on supporting Ukraine is divided. Meanwhile, Kyiv has not yet officially reacted to Prague’s decision, but the Ukrainian government is likely to view it as a setback at a time when Russian forces continue offensive operations in the east and south.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
