Macinka sees scope for cooperation with Ukraine on counter-drone defence

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has praised Ukraine’s defence-sector innovations and said Czechia could cooperate with the country on protection against drones. In an interview with the Ukrinform agency, Macinka said Ukraine, under pressure from war, has developed technologies that could help strengthen Czech security.  He referred to a recent visit to Ukraine, where he toured facilities producing counter-drone systems and described the country’s advances in the field as impressive. According to Macinka, cooperation could be mutually beneficial.  Macinka also said his view of Ukraine remained unchanged after the visit. He also recalled that the trip was meant as a signal that the Czech government wants to build contacts quickly. The visit followed a decision by the government of Andrej Babiš to continue coordinating the Czech ammunition initiative for Ukraine, without using Czech taxpayers’ money.