Czech President pledges unwavering support to Ukraine's Zelenskyy

Czech President Petr Pavel reaffirmed his full support for Ukraine during a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. The Czech leader assured his counterpart that the Czech Republic, alongside other European nations, would continue to intensify its assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

Pavel expressed his commitment to Ukraine's cause, emphasizing that the war is not only for Ukraine's sovereignty but also for the security and future of Europe.

In a post shared on X, Zelenskyy acknowledged and appreciated the Czech Republic's steadfast support. The Ukrainian president confirmed that the two leaders discussed key initiatives, including supplying artillery shells to aid Ukraine's defense.

Pavel stressed that the Czech Republic, together with its European allies, would remain committed to strengthening its support for Ukraine. He noted that this effort aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding a secure and free future for all European nations.

"We know very well and will not forget who is the victim and who is the aggressor in this war," Pavel wrote, emphasizing the significance of the Czech Republic’s role in supporting Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.

Zelenskyy, in his own post on X, expressed gratitude for the Czech Republic’s contribution. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and unity among European countries to present a strong, unified front against Russian aggression.

"We deeply appreciate that, even in these challenging times, the Czech people stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote. "Thank you for your support."

The two leaders also touched on the Czech initiative to supply artillery shells, which is one of the many ways the Czech Republic continues to support Ukraine’s military needs.

The ongoing support for Ukraine extends beyond the Czech Republic. As reported by Politico, the European Union is considering a new package of military aid, valued at over six billion euros.

This package is expected to include artillery shells, air defense systems, and other critical military supplies aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The EU’s renewed focus on aiding Ukraine reflects a broader European determination to support Kyiv amidst the conflict, even as the United States and Russia engage in discussions to end the war.

In addition to reaffirming his support for Zelenskyy, Pavel also took to social media earlier in the week to denounce comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had labeled Zelenskyy as a "dictator."

Pavel strongly criticized Trump’s remarks, which he called "cynical," noting that Zelenskyy’s leadership during a time of external aggression demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication.

Pavel is set to participate in a video conference hosted by Zelenskyy on Monday, where leaders from Ukraine and partner countries will discuss the ongoing war and future cooperation. This includes representatives from the European Commission and the European Council, who are scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy in Kyiv next week.