Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Czech aid to Ukraine is set to grow after new commitments from Prague that include fresh military packages and a firm response to Russia’s attempt to intimidate Czech leaders. The plans were announced following meetings between Denys Shmyhal and Czech officials, as Moscow placed the Czech foreign minister on its so-called “Russophobe” list.

Czech aid to Ukraine focuses on anti-air and ammunition

On 30 July, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Tomáš Pojar, an adviser to the Czech prime minister, to discuss urgent needs for Ukraine’s armed forces. Shmyhal said their talks centered on air defense, electronic warfare and long-range capabilities. He explained that particular focus was on ammunition supply, as the Czech initiative to secure artillery shells of key calibers has become an important source for Ukraine.

According to Shmyhal, the discussions covered specific schedules and plans for supplies for the rest of this year and 2026. They also reviewed cooperation between defense industries. He said that joint enterprises are already working and some projects are underway. These include the production of shells and Bren 2 rifles in Ukraine.

The Czech delegation and Ukrainian officials also analyzed possibilities for new projects in Czechia that would involve leading Ukrainian companies. These projects are intended to support Ukraine’s defense forces in the face of Russia’s ongoing war.

Moscow’s blacklist sparks Czech response

Meanwhile, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský responded after the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs added him to a published list of so-called “Russophobic” politicians.

In his comments to ČTK, Lipavský said he does not use hate speech against Russia but stands firmly against the imperial policies of Vladimir Putin. He added that his criticism targets Putin, his ideology, the Kremlin’s aggression against Ukraine, and sabotage acts even in Czechia.

Lipavský emphasized that his stance on Putin’s aggression would not change and that his plans for a future holiday in Crimea remain unaffected. He repeated that “Crimea is Ukraine” and that the Kremlin’s ban on his entry to Russia has no effect on him. This hints on the future liberation of the Crimean Peninsula, occupied by the Russians since 2014.

Ukraine is strengthening its alliance with the US amid escalating Russian attacks. On 14 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Keith Kellogg, US presidential envoy, to discuss concrete steps toward peace, with a focus on enhancing air defense, expanding joint weapons production, and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.

“We are grateful to the US president for all his messages and truly firm decisions to resume support. We’ve made some very positive decisions for both our countries,” Zelenskyy said.

The talks came against the backdrop of intensified Russian assaults, over 330 missiles, 5,000 drones, and 5,000 aerial bombs launched in June alone, making air defense a top priority during the meeting.

Key topics included:

• Strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems
• Joint drone production
• Direct US purchases of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles
• Joint weapons procurement with European partners

Zelensky also emphasized the importance of new US sanctions legislation, particularly the bipartisan bill by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, which has already gained support from more than 80 senators.

He thanked Keith Kellogg for his visit, US President Donald Trump, and the American people for their continued support.