Czech President approves 60 requests from citizens to fight in Ukraine

Petr Pavel has authorized 60 Czech citizens to fight in Ukraine’s armed forces amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, presidential spokesperson Filip Platoš told Czech Radio on Saturday. Under Czech law, citizens must receive presidential approval to fight with a foreign military.

Pavel's decision follows a review of 181 requests for service, with approval granted to about one-third of the requests based on recommendations from the ministries of defense, interior, and foreign affairs.

Unsurprisingly, Pavel’s decision has drawn criticism from Moscow, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accusing the Czech government of disregarding its own citizens.

"The President of the Czech Republic does not need his citizens and from the Czech Republic's point of view, those sixty people are clearly unnecessary," Zakharova stated, adding that Czech and Ukrainian leaders will later pretend to the world that they are worried about the fates of prisoners of war.

According to Czech law, citizens must obtain presidential approval before enlisting in a foreign military, as fighting without such permission can lead to prosecution. In cases where individuals have joined Ukraine’s forces without prior consent, they may apply retroactively for clemency, which also requires the prime minister’s endorsement.

Czech citizens have been involved in the Ukraine conflict since March 2022, shortly after Russia launched its invasion. The Czech Foreign Ministry reports that four Czech nationals have lost their lives in Ukraine, with the latest fatality occurring in February near Avdiivka.

On Oct. 28, President Pavel awarded a posthumous medal for heroism to Petr Kučera, a Czech volunteer who died in combat in Ukraine.

About 30 months into the war, many Czechs continue to show support for Ukraine by applying to join its military, despite the clear risks. Pavel’s recent approvals reflect both the demand for voluntary service in Ukraine and the Czech government’s cautious approach to allowing citizens to fight abroad.