President Pavel has allowed 99 Czechs to fight in Ukraine since war began

Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Petr Pavel has granted permission to 99 Czech citizens to serve in the Ukrainian armed forces, his spokesman Filip Platoš said. A year ago, the number stood at around 60. Czech nationals must obtain presidential consent before joining a foreign army; otherwise, they risk prosecution. Those who left without approval can later request a pardon co-signed by the prime minister. The statement comes shortly after a Russian court sentenced a Czech woman in absentia to 13 years in prison for allegedly fighting for Ukraine—a ruling Prague views with skepticism.