Opposition warns against playing down risks posed by Russia

The Czech opposition has responded with concern to a statement by the Russian ambassador to the Czech Republic, Anna Ponomaryova , who said in an interview for the Russian news agency RIA Novosti that the Babiš government had toned down Czechia’s anti-Russian rhetoric.

Mayors and Independents leader Vít Rakušan said it was important for the government not to play down  the risks posed by Russia. Former Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský of the Civic Democratic Party described the ambassador’s assessment of Czechia’s foreign policy as “a disgrace” for the country.

In an interview with Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Ponomaryova noted that Babiš had expressed support in February for talks with Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, which Moscow launched in 2022. In January, he also announced that no money from Czech citizens would be used for the Czech-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine, the ambassador said.

Prime Minister Babiš rejected the claim that the Czech Republic had softened its rhetoric towards Russia.