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Babiš Talks With Zelensky as He Seeks Coalition, Softens Line on Czech Shells

He sets a November 3 target for a coalition deal, favoring EU‑channeled aid plus private exports over state funding.

Overview

  • President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a phone call with Andrej Babiš and that they agreed to pursue a face‑to‑face meeting soon.
  • Babiš’s ANO is negotiating a government with Motorists for Themselves and the far‑right SPD, a lineup estimated to hold about 108 of 200 lower‑house seats.
  • Babiš now describes the Czech ammunition‑purchase program for Ukraine as a good idea in principle, promising a transparency review and suggesting possible NATO oversight.
  • He says no weapons for Ukraine will be paid from the Czech state budget, citing EU‑level support instead and allowing Czech arms companies to export to Kyiv.
  • Motorists support continuing the shell initiative and SPD opposes Czech military aid, as President Petr Pavel presses parties to preserve the program.