Czech Republic decides not to use state funds to back Ukraine with arms
(MENAFN) The Czech Republic will not allocate government funds to supply weapons to Ukraine, Andrej Babis confirmed as he began discussions to form a new administration following his right-wing ANO party’s recent parliamentary victory.
Babis, who held the office of prime minister from 2017 to 2021, is widely expected to return to the role. Amid coalition negotiations, he reiterated his stance against using the national budget to finance military aid for Ukraine.
“We will not give Ukraine a single crown from our budget for weapons,” Babis said in Prague on Wednesday. “We have no money for the Czech Republic.”
While opposing state-funded arms shipments, Babis indicated that Czech defense companies would still be permitted to export weapons to Ukraine. “We have no problem with that,” the 71-year-old added.
Under outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the Czech Republic had been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, participating in an international munitions program. Through this initiative, approximately 3.5 million rounds of large-caliber ammunition have been delivered to Ukraine, sourced from various third countries with financial contributions from nations including Germany.
Babis suggested that NATO should assume responsibility for the Czech ammunition program, signaling a potential shift in how the country supports Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Coalition talks have already started with two right-wing parties: Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists’ Party. ANO currently holds 80 of the 200 seats in the lower house of parliament, and with support from these smaller parties, a coalition could command a majority of 108 seats.
President Petr Pavel has scheduled the first session of the newly elected parliament for November 3.
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