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Ukraine’s ambassador to Czechia Vasyl Zvarych has condemned remarks by Tomio Okamura, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and Speakert of the House of Deputies, describing them as undignified and wholly unacceptable. Reacting on Facebook to Okamura’s New Year address, Zvarych said the statements echoed Russian propaganda and insulted Ukraine and its democratically elected leadership. Okamura again opposed arms deliveries to Ukraine, calling the war “senseless” and attacking President Volodymyr Zelensky and his circle calling them thieves. Zvarych urged Czech authorities and civil society to assess whether such rhetoric is compatible with high public office.

Czech goaltender Karel Vejmelka clearly won an all-Czech NHL matchup, stopping 20 shots as Utah Mammoth beat the New York Islanders 7–2. At the other end, David Rittich made nine saves and was pulled after the fifth goal. Jakub Dobeš also allowed five goals, but his Montreal Canadiens edged the Carolina Hurricanes 7–5. Vejmelka earned his 17th win of the season, the most by any NHL goalie. Utah was led by Dylan Guenther, who recorded his first NHL hat trick.

The ban on the use of fireworks in selected areas and restrictions on their sale had a significant impact on air quality around the New Year, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) reported on its website. Concentrations of airborne particulate matter typically associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations dropped markedly, including in large cities. According to the findings, the measured levels were the lowest in at least the past 22 years, since such data have been recorded.

Under new regulations fireworks are banned within a radius of 250 metres from hospitals, retirement homes, day-care centres, animal shelters, rescue stations and registered animal breeding facilities.

In his third New Year address since taking office, President Petr Pavel wished the ANO–SPD–Motorists government success in fulfilling its policy program. He said it was right to give the cabinet space at the start of its mandate, but made it clear that he would closely monitor its progress and weigh up whether its actions did not threaten democracy and its institutions, security, or the country’s ties with the free world.

President Pavel noted that the Czech Republic has a great deal to be proud of. Last year the country ranked among the fastest-growing economies in Europe, it remains one of the safest countries in the world and is also among the most generous nations in terms of charity and philanthropy. The president also praised Czech scientists who have achieved global success, for example in physics and biochemistry, Czech athletes, and examples of courage in civic life.

President Pavel furhter said he was concerned about divisions in society and urged citizens to work on rebuilding trust.

Mr. Pavel appealed to Czechs to resist populist rhetoric and to lift their eyes from the extremes they see daily on social media. He said that if people look at public affairs more thoughtfully, they will see that we all want similar things: decency, accessible healthcare, security, quality schools and a dignified life. He added that the overlap in these goals is so broad that it makes no sense for discord to become the country’s defining motto.