PM Babiš: Czechia will not join NATO's €70bn Ukraine aid pledge

Czechia will not contribute to the €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine pledged by NATO allies, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said after the Alliance's summit in Ankara on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists before leaving Turkey, Babiš said Europe should focus on strengthening air defence against ballistic missiles. He also reiterated that Czech defence spending will reach 2 percent of GDP next year, while saying meeting that target this year remains unlikely. He added that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening and again briefly on Wednesday.

NATO allies pledged to provide Ukraine with €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training this year and to maintain the same level of support in 2027, according to the summit's final declaration.