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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has praised the Czech Republic for its long-term support in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. In an exclusive interview with Czech Radio, he expressed deep gratitude to the country and its citizens. Zelensky highlighted a recent fundraising drive by the charity Dárek pro Putina (Gift for Putin), which raised more than CZK 165 million in just days to buy generators for Ukrainians facing harsh winter conditions amid Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. He also mentioned the Czech ammunition initiative and the country’s acceptance of Ukrainian refugees. Zelensky said the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, which he recently awarded to Czech President Petr Pavel in Kyiv, belongs to all Czech citizens.

Pupils and secondary school students across Czechia have a day off today for the traditional one-day mid-year school break, extending their weekend. Many zoos, museums and other attractions are offering special programmes or discounted admission for children. In Prague Zoo, children under 15 can enter for a symbolic fee if they bring an old mobile phone for recycling, supporting wildlife protection projects. In 14 districts, the break will be followed by spring holidays starting on Monday. Cold weather with light snowfall is expected to create good conditions in the mountains, while cities are offering ice rinks and indoor activities for families.

If Ukraine were to express interest in L-39 Skyfox aircraft, the first planes could be delivered at the start of next year, Viktor Sotona, president of aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody, told ČTK. The multi-role Skyfox jets could be supplied instead of four L-159 aircraft from the Czech military, which Ukraine had previously sought. Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party has said such a sale would not be advantageous for Czechia. Sotona said the company is analysing production capacity and possible adjustments to ensure a rapid response should Ukraine formally request the aircraft.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in a dead swan found at Lake Most near the city of Most. Tests identified the H5N1 virus, which has appeared in recent years in both large and small poultry holdings in Czechia, the local authority said on its website. The swan was found on 20 January and examined by the State Veterinary Institute in Prague. The State Veterinary Administration has urged breeders in Most and the surrounding area to increase biosecurity measures and report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms immediately.