The head of Czech diplomacy and Minister of Defence, Jana Černochová, discussed with their Polish counterparts—Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau and Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak—the results of the NATO summit in Vilnius, the security situation in Eastern Europe, the use of the European Peace Instrument to help Ukraine, and sanctions against Russia. “We also spoke today about more aid to Ukraine. Czechia gave humanitarian and stabilizing aid worth up to 1.4 billion crowns from the start of the Russian invasion. Another 13 billion crowns were allocated to cover the needs of over 504,000 Ukrainian refugees in Czechia. In reaction to the destruction of Kakhovka, we provided humanitarian aid worth 10 million crowns through the EU’s humanitarian hub in Rzesów,” said the head of Czech diplomacy.

The Czech-Polish consultations confirmed that Czechia and Poland hold similar positions on fundamental security and defense issues, especially in relation to support for Ukraine, their approach towards Russia, and the strengthening of NATO’s eastern wing. “We agreed that the results of the NATO summit places additional pressure on Russia. Until Russia withdraws its armed forces from Ukraine, it’s not possible to relieve the pressure,” said Minister Lipavský as he welcomed the results of the NATO summit. He praised the strengthening of political and practical support for Ukraine, including the promise concerning future membership in the Alliance.

Both parties agreed that support to Ukraine should continue to be a clear priority for using funds from the European Peace Facility (EPF). Minister Lipavský also welcomed the 11th package of EU sanctions against Russia and praised its focus on better implementation and prevention of sanction evasion.

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