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Czech PM Fiala: Ukraine’s Drone Defense Will Be Bolstered in Partnership With Germany
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed that Czechia will continue supporting Ukraine, specifically in bolstering its defense against drones, which are used by Russia to terrorize civilians, he said in a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on July 22.
“We agree with Chancellor Merz that we must continue supporting Ukraine, providing it with sufficient military supplies so it can keep resisting,” Fiala said, expressing gratitude to Germany for its significant involvement in Czech initiatives concerning ammunition.
He also emphasized that Czechia would collaborate with Germany to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, particularly in combating drones, reports Ukrinform.
“We want to work together with Germany to enhance Ukraine’s air defense, specifically to counter the drones that Russia uses to terrorize civilians,” Fiala added. He also reiterated that Czechia has already eliminated its dependence on Russian energy sources.
Fiala took the opportunity to comment on the cooperation within the Visegrad Group (Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary), acknowledging the difficulties due to differing approaches to security issues.
“There are differences in how we approach supporting Ukraine, how we pressure Russia, and how we interpret Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” he explained.
“Slovakia and Hungary have different views compared to Czechia and Poland on this issue,” Prime Minister concluded.
In terms of military aid, Czechia has been one of Ukraine’s most steadfast European partners, starting weapons supplies to Ukraine early in the full-scale invasion. The Czech initiative on ammunition, where the country buys large-caliber ammunition from around the world using funds from partner nations, has contributed significantly.
Last year, under this initiative, Czechia supplied Ukraine with 1.5 million large-caliber rounds, with plans to increase that number to 1.8 million this year.
However, Czechia has decided not to join the US-led initiative to procure Patriot missile systems for Ukraine.
Fiala emphasized that security remains the most important issue, stating that any disagreements within the Visegrad group regarding security are obstacles to normal cooperation, but expressed openness to working pragmatically with others.
Earlier, Czech defense manufacturer Excalibur Army, one of the largest suppliers of weapons to Ukraine, had officially opened a local office in the country. The move is aimed at deepening technical cooperation and launching joint production of NATO-standard artillery ammunition in partnership with Ukrainian Armor.
