The Czech Republic has also closed its consulate general in Lviv, the head of Czech diplomacy, Jan Lipavský (Pirates), said on Friday. Neighboring countries, especially Poland, organize aid for Czech citizens. According to the minister, the Czech Republic is ready to provide humanitarian assistance of 300 million to Ukraine, which is facing an invasion from Russia, and the government should approve this.
Around 150 people are registered in Ukraine in the DROZD system, where people can report in case of difficulties when traveling abroad. At a press conference on Friday morning, the minister said, “We are not able to estimate the development of the situation.”
Lipavský also referred to Thursday’s meeting of EU leaders, who approved sanctions against Russia. He recalled that the Czech Republic had pushed for the harshest possible sanctions, including the exclusion of Russia from the SWIFT system. This did not pass, but the minister said the sanctions are tough and informal talks are already beginning another round of sanctions.
The Russian military launched an air and ground assault on Ukraine on Thursday night. Fighting is reported across the country. Czech political leaders have condemned Russia’s move. MPs adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s military action against Ukraine as barbaric, inexcusable, and unprovoked, threatening the foundations of the security architecture in Europe.
On Friday, the government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) will hold an extraordinary session due to the situation in Ukraine.