Macinka discusses public mood with Ukrainian ambassador

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka met Ukraine’s ambassador to Czechia Vasyl Zvarych on Monday, saying they discussed, among other things, the mood of part of Czech society. Macinka added he will continue the talks on Tuesday in a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha. The meeting followed Zvarych’s criticism of anti-Ukrainian remarks made by lower house speaker Tomio Okamura of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party in his New Year’s address. Macinka said the talks were held in a serious atmosphere and did not amount to a diplomatic summons. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the ANO party leader, said Okamura spoke as an SPD leader, adding that the ambassador had overstepped diplomatic custom.