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Czech Citizen Seeks Government Help to Exit Russian Military Contract

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Photo of Liubava Petriv
Liubava Petriv
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Czech Citizen Seeks Government Help to Exit Russian Military Contract
A billboard recruiting individuals interested in joining the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for a special operation in Ukraine is seen on a street in St. Petersburg. (Source: Getty Images)

A Czech citizen who reportedly joined the Russian armed forces under contract approached his country’s authorities for assistance in terminating his service, according to reports from Seznam Spravy and České noviny, citing Czech Foreign Ministry spokesperson Daniel Drake on May 20.

The man had traveled to Russia and later signed a contract to serve in the Russian military. He has since contacted the Czech government, seeking help to exit the agreement. Czech diplomats are currently handling the case.

In light of the situation, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its warning against travel to Russia and advised Czech nationals still in the country to leave as soon as possible.

“The security environment is tense, and our embassy has limited capacity to provide assistance or protection. This case illustrates that point clearly, and we will proceed appropriately in accordance with Czech law and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations,” said ministry spokesperson Drake.

Under Czech law, citizens are prohibited from serving in foreign armies unless those forces are involved in the defense of Czechia.

To legally join a foreign military, individuals must obtain special permission from the president. Failure to do so could result in criminal prosecution.

On May 20, Russia identified more than 80,000 naturalized migrants who failed to register for military service—and has already sent about a quarter of them to fight in Ukraine, according to Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, The Moscow Times reported.

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