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A return to normal relations with Russia is highly complicated as long as Moscow continues its aggression against Ukraine, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka told foreign ambassadors in Prague on Wednesday. He said the Czech government supports diplomatic efforts to end the war and thanked Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for hosting him during a recent visit to Kyiv. Macinka said Czechia wants to restore a standard level of relations with China, comparable to ties maintained by many European Union states. He stressed that Europe and the transatlantic space remain Czechia’s key geopolitical framework and said foreign policy would move away from moralising rhetoric toward pragmatic diplomacy, with greater emphasis on economic ties, including in Asia and Africa.

Czech jet aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody plans to offer Ukraine its new L-39 Skyfox aircraft instead of older L-159 jets, which Prague has said it cannot spare. President Petr Pavel recently confirmed that Ukraine had asked whether it could buy Czech L-159s, but the government replied that the air force still needs them and that new L-159s are no longer being produced. Aero says the L-39 Skyfox is cheaper to operate and suitable for tasks such as training, light combat missions and counter-drone operations. The company has already delivered Skyfox jets to Vietnam and is supplying Hungary and Czech state firm LOM Praha, while seeking new contracts in Africa.

Greenland is an integral part of Denmark, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the leader of the ANO party, said on Wednesday, welcoming a shift in rhetoric by US President Donald Trump. Trump had recently renewed talk of acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, and announced extra tariffs on Danish and other European goods. He later backed down after talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with allies agreeing to work together on Arctic security. Babiš said NATO cooperation was essential given growing Russian and Chinese interest in the region.

European members of NATO must be capable of guaranteeing their own security even in the event of disagreements with the United States, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Thursday. Speaking during a debate with students in Olomouc, Pavel said the European Union has sufficient economic and military capacity, but must work harder to become a strong and respected global player. Pavel also commented on US President Donald Trump, saying his unpredictable style should not be seen only as a threat. Likening it to an “Arab bazaar”, Pavel said Trump’s tactics may be shocking but have often pushed Europe to act, especially on defence and security.