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Zelenskyy Visits Czechia, Secures Support for F-16s and Defense Cooperation

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Ivan Khomenko
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Zelenskyy Visits Czechia, Secures Support for F-16s and Defense Cooperation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska are welcomed in Prague by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. (Source: Zelenskyy / Telegram)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Czechia on May 4 for his first official visit to the country since 2023.

According to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska landed at Prague’s Ruzyně Airport, where they were welcomed by Czech officials. Lipavský referred to Zelenskyy as a “leader of the free world” in a statement posted on social media.

The Office of the Czech President confirmed that President Petr Pavel will host Zelenskyy and his delegation at Prague Castle.

The Ukrainian president is also scheduled to hold meetings with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the heads of both chambers of parliament, leaders of parliamentary factions, defense industry representatives, students, and members of the Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic.

In a statement, Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine and Czechia, together with other members of the aviation coalition, are preparing new steps to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

He specifically mentioned strengthening Ukraine’s air force, expanding pilot training programs, and equipping the Ukrainian fleet with F-16 fighter jets. Zelenskyy also praised the Czech artillery initiative, calling it effective and pledging continued cooperation in this area.

First Lady Olena Zelenska is expected to participate in the opening of the Healthcare Initiative for Ukraine conference, which aims to enhance international medical cooperation.

Czech media reported that Prague Castle was closed to visitors during the visit from 11:00 to 16:30 local time as part of enhanced security measures. This marks Zelenskyy’s first visit to the Czechia since July 2023.

Earlier, Czechia delivered 400,000 large-caliber shells to Ukraine as part of the renewed Czech defense initiative. Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová confirmed the deliveries in late April, noting that funding is secured through the fall and that additional international partners have joined the effort.

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