Czech president opposes removal of Ukrainian flags from institutions in Czechia

Czech President Petr Pavel believes that Ukrainian flags should continue to fly in Czechia as a symbol of solidarity, adding however that the halting of material aid to Kyiv would be a far more serious mistake.

Source: Czech news agency ČTK, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Pavel pointed out that Ukrainian flags in Czechia are "a symbol of solidarity with a country that has been attacked by an aggressive state".

"I don't think anything has changed in that regard. Ukraine is still the target of Russian aggression, and until a peace agreement is reached, our solidarity with Ukraine should not falter," he said.

Pavel added, however, that a change in Prague's position on aid to Ukraine would be far more damaging.

Quote: "Whether it is material, financial, military or any other form of assistance, it would have a direct impact on the number of deaths, injuries and material losses. I am convinced that our aid must continue, because it is not only an act of solidarity with Ukraine but also an expression of the values that we, as a democratic country, must uphold."

Background:

• Last week Tomio Okamura, the new speaker of the lower house of the Czech parliament, the Chamber of Deputies, ordered the removal of a Ukrainian flag from the Chamber of Deputies building.
• Karel Havlíček, first deputy head of the populist ANO party, which is currently leading coalition talks, has said he believes Ukrainian flags should gradually be taken down from government buildings.

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