Zelensky visits Prague, thanks Czechia for support and discusses future cooperation
Czechia is doing everything it can to stop Russian aggression, and its ammunition initiative is working excellently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference following his meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle on Sunday. Zelensky also expressed Ukraine’s deep appreciation for Czech support, particularly regarding its European ambitions. He criticized some European leaders for blocking Ukraine’s EU accession, saying they are doing so only to secure "a better seat in the stands on Red Square," obviously referring the upcoming celebrations of the end of WWII in Moscow to which Slovak PM Robert Fico plans to travel. On Monday, Zelensky is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the heads of both chambers of the Czech Parliament.
During the visit, representatives of both countries are signing a memorandum of cooperation in the field of mental health care. Czech Health Minister Vlastimil Válek told Czech Television that the agreement, concluded between Ukraine and the Czech National Institute of Mental Health, focuses on telemedicine and psychological support for war-related trauma. According to Válek, the partnership could also help address the shortage of child psychiatrists and psychologists in Czechia by drawing on Ukraine’s experience with remote care in crisis situations.
The memorandum is part of broader Czech efforts to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s healthcare system. Earlier this year, Ukraine’s Health Minister Viktor Liashko announced that Czechia would invest €100 million through the EU’s Ukraine Facility program to help restore Ukrainian hospitals. A Czech Medical Hub has also been established in Lviv to support Czech health-tech companies aiming to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery. Válek emphasized that the cooperation will benefit both sides—offering Ukraine better equipment and expertise, while giving Czech companies access to EU-funded investment opportunities.
Zelensky’s agenda in Prague includes meetings with leaders of parliamentary parties, representatives of defense industries, students, and the Ukrainian community. First Lady Olena Zelenska is taking part in the opening of the Global Healthcare Initiative for Ukraine conference. In a statement on social media, Zelensky thanked Czechia for its consistent support, praised the Czech-led ammunition initiative, and expressed hope for further cooperation in training Ukrainian pilots and securing F-16 fighter jets.
