Czech–Ukrainian Relations in 2022–2026: features, trends, and prospects for development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31558/2519-2949.2026.2.23Keywords:
Czech Republic, Ukraine, Petr Fiala, Andrej Babiš, “Czech Initiative”, public opinionAbstract
The specific features of the development of Czech–Ukrainian relations in 2022–2026 in the context of the full-scale Russian–Ukrainian war are examned in the given article. The main directions of political, military, and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and the Czech Republic are analyzed, and the key trends in their evolution during this period are identified. It is revealed that after the beginning of Russian aggression, the Czech Republic became one of Ukraine’s most active allies in Central Europe, providing significant military assistance and diplomatic support in the international arena. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Czech Republic in supplying weapons and implementing international initiatives aimed at providing Ukraine with ammunition. The influence of domestic political processes in the Czech Republic on the nature of bilateral relations, in particular the transformation of public opinion regarding the Russian–Ukrainian war and the scale of support for Ukraine are also examined. The evolution of public attitudes is analyzed — from a high level of solidarity with Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale invasion to the gradual growth of skeptical sentiments and war fatigue. Considerable attention is paid to the issue of the reception and integration of Ukrainian refugees into Czech society, as well as the impact of this issue on domestic political debates. The changes in the domestic political situation in the Czech Republic after the 2025 parliamentary elections and their possible influence on the further development of Czech–Ukrainian relations are also considered. It is concluded that despite the presence of domestic political debates and certain fluctuations in public support, cooperation between Ukraine and the Czech Republic remains important for Ukraine and retains significant potential for further development. The prospects for bilateral relations will largely depend on the further course of the Russian–Ukrainian war, the domestic political situation in the Czech Republic, and Ukraine’s progress on the path toward membership in the EU and NATO.
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