Czech leaders voice solidarity with Poland, express readiness to help defend EU borders
Czech leaders have strongly condemned Russia’s drone incursion into Polish territory, which they view as clear evidence of Russia’s mounting aggression. At its session on Wednesday, the Czech cabinet expressed solidarity with Poland and readiness to help protect Europe’s borders against further Russian provocations.
“This incident clearly confirms how deeply the escalating Russian aggression affects us. Neither the Czech Republic, its neighbors, nor Europe as a whole can consider themselves safe. We cannot pretend that this war does not concern us ” President Pavel said in response to the news that 19 military drones had hit Polish territory in a night attack on Ukraine.
Speaking after a meeting of the cabinet, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that the Czech Republic stands firmly with Poland “an ally on the front line”.
“We stand firmly with our Polish friends, we are in contact with them and we are prepared to help protect Europe’s borders against further Russian provocations if needed. This applies to all measures agreed within the North Atlantic Alliance. Everything points to the fact that this incursion was not unintentional. Russia is a threat to all of Europe and Putin is clearly testing how far he can go.”
Given the gravity of this latest incident, the head of government slammed Czech opposition leaders for having criticized mounting state spending on defense. “At a time when Russian drones are falling just 200 kilometres from our borders, it is irresponsible and dangerous to downplay the need to strengthen our defense,” he said.
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Spolu)and Defense Minister Jana Černochová (Spolu)echoed these sentiments describing the violation of Poland’s airspace as further proof that Moscow’s war on Ukraine threatens not just states in the immediate vicinity but the entire continent . Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stressed the need for NATO o strengthen air defense on its eastern flank and called for tougher sanctions against Russia.
Defense Minister Jana Černochová said that, in response to Poland’s request, Czechia would send three specially modified Mi-171Š helicopters to the neighbor state to help the Polish army defend against low-flying drones. Up to 150 Czech soldiers may also be deployed in Poland for a period of up to three months, she added.
Reactions from the opposition were mixed. ANO leader Andrej Babiš (ANO) expressed full support for Poland, while former ANO defense minister Lubomír Metnar urged NATO to take a “clear and strong stance” if the drone incursion is confirmed as intentional. Freedom and Direct Democracy party leader Tomio Okamura(SPD) argued that the episode underscored the need to end the war quickly and support “any peace effort.” Pirate Party chairman Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) warned that the drones were a stark reminder that “Putin will stop at nothing,” calling defense spending “a necessary investment in our security and future.”
At the European level, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged more EU financial support to eastern member states monitoring and defending their borders against potential Russian aggression. She said the incident underscored Europe’s need to take greater responsibility for its own security.
