Ruling coalition supports NATO reinforcements on Eastern flank, opposition more cautious

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky’s words of support for the deployment of more NATO combat units on the alliance’s Eastern flank and the view that the Czech Republic should take an active part in the security effort, has evoked mixed reactions on the Czech political scene. While the foreign minister’s statement, made shortly after his meeting with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels,  received unanimous backing from the parties in the ruling coalition, opposition MPs have stressed the need to do everything possible to de-escalate tensions in the region.

The Czech foreign minister said on Thursday that the deployment of more NATO combat units on the alliance’s Eastern flank is in the interest of Czech security since Russia’s demands could present a threat to Czech sovereignty as well. He added that the Czech government is considering providing further assistance to Ukraine.