Volhynia Czechs appeal to president

Ethnic Czechs living in the western Ukrainian province of Volhynia have again petitioned the Czech state to help them return home. They cited growing fears of a possible military conflict between Ukraine and Russia and of a deterioration of security, writes news website iDnes. This time, representatives of the community bypassed the government and wrote directly to the president. The Foreign Ministry rejected their first appeal based on findings by embassy officials in the field reporting local Czechs were in no immediate danger. Mr Zaorálek said at the time that Czech expats in Ukraine and elsewhere could apply for fast-track permanent residency permits, and move to the Czech Republic on their own. In their second petition, the Volhynia Czechs accused the Foreign Minister of misreading the situation.