Czech FM meets Ukraine's ambassador Zvarych ahead of talks with Sybiha

According to Petr Macinka, the meeting on Monday was held in a serious atmosphere. Among other issues, the sides discussed sentiments within certain segments of Czech society. As the media notes, the meeting was not a formal summons of the ambassador.

In addition, the Czech foreign minister announced that he would hold a phone call on Tuesday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

"Tomorrow I will continue this important discussion during a phone conversation with my Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Andrii Sybiha," Macinka said.

Background

The Czech foreign minister met with the Ukrainian diplomat after Vasyl Zvarych, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, publicly criticized anti-Ukrainian statements made by Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura in his New Year's address.

In particular, Okamura criticized arms supplies to Ukraine and the Ukrainian leadership, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition as well as Ukrainian politicians and diplomats. He also spoke out against Ukraine’s EU membership, sharply criticized the European Union’s position, and targeted the circle around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

After Zvarych responded to these remarks, Macinka said he considered it inappropriate for an ambassador of a foreign state to publicly assess statements made by one of the country’s highest constitutional officials.

In turn, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended the ambassador, stressing that he had acted correctly and professionally in responding to unacceptable statements about Ukraine and its leadership.

Following this, Czech officials announced that Macinka had invited Zvarych for a meeting, which subsequently took place.