Czech PM has ruled out L-159 aircraft sale to Ukraine: issue closed

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has definitively ruled out the issue of selling L-159 aircraft to Ukraine, describing the matter as "closed".

Source: Idnes, a Czech news outlet, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The potential sale of L-159 light attack aircraft to Ukraine has been a topic of political debate in Czechia over recent weeks.

Babiš described these discussions as "artificially created" and stated that the matter is now closed.

Quote: "There are no L-159s and there will be no L-159s. This issue is closed."

Details: Babiš also criticised Karel Řehka, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, who had previously stated that supplying aircraft to Ukraine was possible as it would not harm Czech defence capabilities.

Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna also said that the aircraft are needed by Czech forces – a point the government used to justify its refusal to sell them to Kyiv.

Background:

• Czech President Petr Pavel, who visited Ukraine last week, said that the possible sale of four L-159 aircraft to Ukraine would not undermine the country's defence capabilities.
• At the time, Babiš argued that the discussion "makes no sense", as the previous government had also opposed selling the aircraft to Ukraine.

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