Czech news in brief for November 19: Tuesday's top headlines

The Czech Republic has supplied Ukraine with military aid valued at CZK 7.3 billion from its army stocks since Russia's invasion, a Defense Ministry spokesman reported. Czechia is working with countries like the Netherlands and Denmark to secure more ammunition. Prime Minister Petr Fiala expects the delivery of 500,000 artillery rounds by year-end. Commemorations of the 1,000-day war milestone are planned globally.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico condemned U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use American long-range missiles on Russian territory, calling it an “unprecedented escalation” that hinders peace efforts. Fico, a consistent critic of Western military aid to Ukraine, argued that the move reflects a Western desire to prolong the conflict. His comments follow mixed responses from EU leaders on the U.S. decision.

French company EDF and American Westinghouse have appealed the Czech Office for the Protection of Economic Competition’s (ÚOHS) rejection of their objections to the nuclear tender process for new units at Dukovany. The government chose South Korea's KHNP as the preferred bidder in July. EDF and Westinghouse challenge the decision’s transparency and compliance, citing concerns over technology authorization and public procurement standards.

Czechia is set for wintry weather this week, with snow likely even in lowland areas and up to several tens of centimeters accumulating in mountain regions. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts temperatures near freezing and strong winds, making it feel below zero. After a week of chill, a weekend warm-up is expected, with temperatures rising to as high as 13°C by Sunday.

The Czech film Waves, directed by Jiří Mádl, won the public prize at France’s Arras Film Festival, the festival announced Sunday. Set during the 1968 Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia, the film follows Czechoslovak Radio journalists and has been a Czech box office hit. Waves premiered at Karlovy Vary and is Czechia’s submission for the Best International Feature Oscar.