Government coalition urges continued pressure on Russia, opposition calls for patience

The Czech government coalition supports ongoing EU backing for Ukraine and pressure on Russia, while opposition parties ANO and SPD advocate waiting for U.S.-Russia ceasefire talks. In a televised debate, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non partisan) stressed the need to maintain military aid, while MEP Danuše Nerudová (Mayors and Independents) said the EU must act regardless of U.S. diplomacy. Oppostition ANO Party's Radek Vondráček believes Donald Trump will push a peace plan, and SPD’s Jaroslav Foldyna criticized the EU as “incompetent.” The EU is considering a €40 billion aid package for Ukraine, including 2 million artillery shells to be agreed at a March 20 summit.