President Pavel criticizes Czech opt-out from EU loan guarantees

President Petr Pavel has welcomed the European Council’s agreement on financial assistance for Ukraine, calling it “extremely important” in light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. “Russia’s aggressive war is severely exhausting the country,” Pavel wrote on the social media platform X. He said European support was essential not only for Ukraine’s survival but also as a prudent investment in the security of Europe and the Czech Republic.

“I would therefore consider it right for us, together with other Europeans, to show that we are capable of taking on our share of responsibility for the fate of our continent,” the president said.

The government has also come under fire from the opposition parties over the decision.