Russia wishes to split EU and latter must take unified position, says Czech industry minister

The minister of industry and trade, Jan Mládek, says the Czech government wishes to see the European Union take a unified position on Russia after its military incursion into Ukraine’s Crimea region. Speaking on a TV debate show on Sunday, Mr. Mládek said the worst alternative would be for the EU to adopt a radical policy pushed by some states but then not to adhere to it; Russia wishes to see a split between European states, he said. The minister also said he saw a parallel between the situation surrounding Crimea and Kosovo’s split from Serbia; this view is opposed by Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, who is also chair of Mr. Mládek’s party the Social Democrats.