Confronting Russian espionage: FM Lipavský reflects on Czechia’s relations with Moscow
In an interview with Czech Radio, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, reflects on relations with Russia following the infamous Vrbětice case.
To explain the context: the Vrbětice case refers to the 2014 explosions at a Czech ammunition depot in the village of Vrbětice, which were later linked to Russian military intelligence (GRU) agents. The explosions killed two people and caused significant damage. In 2021, Czech authorities revealed that the same Russian agents responsible for the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal in the UK were involved in the Vrbětice incident, leading to a major diplomatic rift between Czechia and Russia, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats.
In the interview with Czech Radio, Minister Lipavský (formerly of the Pirate Party) reflects on the significant diplomatic actions taken by Czechia following the revelation of Russian involvement. When asked to evaluate the diplomatic steps taken at the time, Lipavský emphasizes the unity and determination of the Czech diplomatic corps: “This was a moment of true solidarity and a certain expression of self-confidence, where the Ministry began pulling together, recognizing that Czechia was under threat and that their role was to defend the country.”
However, he acknowledges that the diplomatic response could have been even more coordinated if key figures had been informed sooner. Despite the suddenness of the revelations, Lipavský praises Czech diplomacy for handling the situation adeptly: “Even though they were informed through the media, Czechia presented the case very skillfully to both the European Union and NATO,” adding that this strengthens the country’s position internationally.
Lipavský also stresses the importance of how Czechia works with its allies, especially in the context of NATO and the EU. He explains: “When you uncover the work of Russian agents linked to Vrbětice, it’s a reason to bring the matter to the agenda of bodies like NATO and the EU, not just at the ministerial level but also at the ambassadorial level.”
Looking ahead, Lipavský acknowledges the challenges in holding those responsible for the Vrbětice explosions accountable, given the lack of cooperation from the Russian regime. He notes that any future resolution of the conflict with Russia will likely require addressing the Vrbětice case as part of broader discussions on Russian responsibility: “If we one day reach a peace settlement or an end to the conflict, I believe that actions like Vrbětice should be part of the negotiations where Russia must take responsibility.”
