Young Czech volunteer killed in fighting in Ukraine

This was reported by iDnes, according to Ukrinform.

His relatives did not know about Jirka's fate for months. Last week, it became known that he died near Izium in the Kharkiv region.

According to available information, he is the fifth Czech citizen to die in fighting in the country invaded by Russia. The first Czech died fighting the Russian army in Donbas in June 2022. The second volunteer died in March of the year before last. Two months later, the founder of the Phoenix project, a Czech medic, died after being seriously wounded in Donbas. In February last year, the death of a Czech volunteer who fought on the side of Ukraine near the city of Avdiivka was reported.

As a reminder, volunteers who want to fight in Ukraine against the Russian aggressor must obtain a permit signed by the president of the republic. Permission from the head of state is a necessary step for those who want to legally help Ukraine with weapons in their hands. Otherwise, the law prohibits Czechs from serving in foreign armed forces, unless they are NATO troops. So if they went to Ukraine without permission, they face criminal prosecution.

As reported by Ukrinform, foreign volunteers who join the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Ground Forces will have broader opportunities for service, including the right to choose a combat brigade, direction, and specific application.