Pavel gives 20 Czechs permission to fight for Ukraine

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, has granted permission to 20 Czech citizens to join the armed forces of Ukraine, his spokesperson said on Monday. By contrast, Mr. Pavel, a former senior soldier who has been in the post for just over a year, turned down 56 requests from Czechs seeking to help Ukraine repel its Russian invaders.

Over 150 Czechs have to date been allowed to fight for Ukraine, with most receiving the green light under the previous presidency of Miloš Zeman.

Czechs may not fight for the army of another state without such dispensation.