New Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has stated that his country will not offer direct financial assistance or guarantee loans for Ukraine, marking a shift in Prague’s stance on supporting Kyiv. The leader of the ANO party called for the European Union to devise a collective funding mechanism rather than relying on individual national commitments.
Alignment with Belgium and Internal Criticism
In a video statement, Babis expressed agreement with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, arguing that Ukraine’s financing should be addressed at the EU level. “The Czech Republic will not guarantee loans and will not send money,” Babis stated, according to Radio Prague International. His position drew immediate criticism from outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who labeled the remarks “irresponsible” amid ongoing discussions on sustaining support for Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Points to Frozen Russian Assets
Despite the new premier’s stance, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky reiterated that utilizing revenue from frozen Russian state assets is “the only realistic option” for securing future funds for Ukraine. This approach is currently under consideration by the European Union, which recently moved to “indefinitely immobilize” these assets. However, the plan faces legal and political hurdles, with several member states expressing reservations.
EU Summit to Decide on Funding Mechanism
The bloc’s leaders are scheduled to make a final decision on allocating these funds to Ukraine during a summit in Brussels on December 18-19. The discussion occurs against strong objections from Moscow, with Russia’s central bank denouncing the plan as illegal and vowing to take all necessary measures to protect its interests. The Czech position introduces another element of discord as the EU seeks a unified strategy.