Czech citizen enters Russian military, later turns to his home government for help

Daniel Drake stated that the Czech authorities were currently dealing with the case of a Czech citizen who had traveled to Russia some time ago, joined the Russian army, and was now seeking assistance from his home country. He noted that the Ministry had long strongly advised against traveling to Russia and had urged Czech citizens to leave the country. According to him, the security situation remained tense, and the Czech embassy in Moscow had limited capacity to provide assistance and protection.

According to him, the request of the Czech citizen who ended up in the Russian army will be considered by the diplomatic service in accordance with Czech law and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

The circumstances under which the unnamed man joined the Russian army, whether he is taking part in combat against Ukraine, and when exactly he arrived in Russia were not specified by the Czech Foreign Ministry representative.

It is noted that the Czech Criminal Code prohibits citizens from serving in foreign armies. This is considered mercenarism and is punishable by imprisonment, except in cases where they fight on behalf of a country that ensures collective defense in the event of an attack on Czechia.

If a Czech volunteer wishes to join a foreign army, they must request special permission from the President of Czechia.

In November 2024, presidential spokesperson Filip Platoš stated that President Petr Pavel had granted around 60 requests for permission to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, following a coordinated position of the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs. In total, nearly 200 requests had been submitted by Czechs.