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NATO is capable of immediately and effectively defending its territory in the event of a military attack, Czech ambassador to the alliance David Konecký says. He said NATO was significantly better prepared than before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukrainin 2022 and would defend every part of allied territory. Konecký does not expect a large-scale conflict between NATO and Russia in the next few years, provided the alliance continues strengthening its deterrence. He also highlighted the growing threat posed by drones and said NATO was seeking more cost-effective ways of countering them.

Czech canoeist Martin Fuksa has won silver in the 500 metres at the World Championships in Poznań, taking his career tally at the championships to 18 medals. The Olympic champion finished 0.24 seconds behind Brazil’s Isaquias Queiroz. Fuksa leaves Poznań with two individual medals after winning his third consecutive world title in the 1,000 metres on Friday. He said he was delighted with a gold and silver from his two individual events. Czech canoeist Denisa Řáhová finished sixth in the women’s 500 metres, achieving the best World Championship result of her career.

The world’s most expensive postage stamp goes on display in Czechia for the first time on Saturday. The unique One-Cent Magenta, issued in British Guiana in 1856, is valued at more than CZK 250 million, or around USD 12 million. It is the centrepiece of the Treasures of World Philately exhibition opening at Prague’s Municipal House. Other rarities include the famous American Inverted Jenny and a strip of 12 Penny Black stamps from 1840. Organisers estimate the combined value of the exhibits at almost CZK 1 billion. The exhibition runs until September 6.

Sparta Prague and Viktoria Plzeň have learned their opponents for the league phase of this season’s Europa League following Friday’s draw in Monaco. Sparta will face English sides Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, as well as Olympiacos, Rennes, Salzburg, AZ Alkmaar, Lilleström and Ararat-Armenia. Plzeň’s opponents include Benfica, Bournemouth, Real Sociedad, Union Saint-Gilloise, Ferencváros, Jagiellonia Białystok, Lilleström and Levski Sofia. Both Czech clubs will play four matches at home and four away. The league phase begins on September 16 and runs until January 28, with UEFA expected to publish the detailed schedule on Sunday.