Czech foreign minister visits Kyiv amid tensions over Russian missile strikes

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský is in Kyiv on his fourth visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion nearly three years ago. His trip comes a day after Russia launched a powerful medium-range missile at Ukraine.

On Friday Mr. Lipavský met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to discuss the effectiveness of Czech aid to Ukraine and the country's immediate needs. He also visited grounds that are being cleared of mines in Myla near Kyiv, an activity that Czechia is supporting financially, and toured Ochmatdyt children's hospital, which was severely damaged by a Russian air strike in July.

Czechia has been a key ally of Ukraine, providing heavy weapons early in the war and initiating EU-wide efforts to source artillery ammunition for Kyiv. The Czech Foreign Minister has also pushed for tighter restrictions on Russian diplomats in Europe.