Czech Foreign Minister Criticizes President Pavel

The statement by Czech President Petr Pavel regarding the donation of subsonic aircraft produced in the Czech Republic to Ukraine has reduced the possibility of such an action rather than increased it, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Mačínka stated during a discussion aired on Czech television. He added that Pavel had not consulted with the Czech government on this issue beforehand.

On Friday, after negotiations in Kyiv with Volodymyr Zelensky, President Pavel announced at a press conference that the Czech Republic could quickly transfer several subsonic aircraft produced in the Czech Republic to Ukraine for the purpose of destroying drones.

The foreign minister remarked, “The president has probably decreased the likelihood of such an opportunity rather than increased it. He acted like a bull in a china shop. Perhaps it would have been better for him to dedicate his time to some symbolic actions, such as laying wreaths and receiving state awards.”