132 Czechs get permission to fight for Ukraine, none yet from Pavel

Some 132 Czechs have secured official permission to fight for Ukraine since Russia invaded the country, the news website iRozhlas.cz reported on Saturday. In all cases they were given the go-ahead by former president Miloš Zeman.

The head of state’s approval is required as it is illegal for Czechs to fight for any other country, with the exception of NATO members or states where they have citizenship.

No applications have been received by the current president, Petr Pavel, since his inauguration last month.

Mr. Zeman and Prime Minister Petr Fiala said they would halt investigations into volunteers who did not receive such approval, but no such cases have yet occurred, iRozhlas.cz said.