Pavel highlights Czechia’s support for Ukraine in speech marking end of World War II

Czechia’s President Petr Pavel and other leading state representatives honoured the victims of the Second World War at Prague’s Vítkov memorial on Monday on the occasion of the anniversary of the end of the war in Europe, celebrated in Czechia as Victory Day,

In his speech, the president compared the conflict to the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting that he was proud Czechia has been providing Ukraine with significant levels of support from the start. He also pointed out that the Soviet soldiers who fought in the Second World War do not carry any responsibility for the contemporary Russian state, but warned that the tradition of commemorating the fallen should not be abused by those who spread Russian propaganda.

Also speaking at Vítkov, a memorial that dates back to the interwar First Republic and features the largest state of a rider in Europe, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Czechia should continue to support Ukraine and show Russia that aggression is not an option.

Aside from leading state officials the commemorative event on Vítkov was attended by church and veteran organisation representatives, as well as members of the wider public. Wreaths were laid at the symbolic tomb of the unknown soldier by the president, prime minister and the heads of both chambers of parliament.

Commemoratory events are taking place across the country on May 8, which is also a bank holliday in Czechia. .