Czech PM candidate Babiš says Czech support for Ukraine should come via EU, not directly from national funds

This was reported by Radio Prague International, according to Ukrinform.

Babiš’s movement ANO, which won the parliamentary elections, is currently negotiating to form a new government.

At a press conference following an ANO parliamentary faction meeting, Babiš emphasized that the Czech Republic provides assistance to Ukraine through the European Union.

He argued that the Czech Republic already contributes 60 billion crowns annually to the EU, which supports Ukraine, adding that Czechia now lacks funds to meet its own needs. At the same time, he said that he had no problem with Czech companies exporting arms to Ukraine

According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, by the end of 2024 the country had delivered military equipment worth 7.3 billion koruna (292 million euros) from its own stockpiles to Ukraine, Radio Prague International reports.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that Czech President Petr Pavel stressed that halting ammunition supplies to Ukraine would primarily harm the Czech Republic itself.

In the parliamentary elections, Babiš’s populist party ANO (Action of Dissatisfied Citizens) won 34.51% of the vote.