Overview
- Petr Macinka praised Ukraine’s defense innovations and said Ukrainian anti-drone systems could strengthen Czech security.
- During his Jan. 9 visit to Kyiv, Macinka toured an anti-drone production facility and highlighted prospects for joint work on protection against drones.
- Macinka said he was about a 45-minute drive from Lviv when Russia’s Oreshnik missile struck, as Kyiv faced a lethal drone-and-missile barrage that day.
- He maintained a conciliatory tone in Kyiv, asserting that Ukraine seeks peace and saying it is time for Russia to make concessions.
- Prime Minister Andrej Babis confirmed Czechia will continue coordinating the multinational ammunition initiative that supplied 1.8 million rounds last year, while declining to contribute funds, as coalition infighting features far-right attacks on Ukraine and a resulting diplomatic protest in Prague.