Ukraine responds to Czech criticism over ambassador’s comments
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to criticism from the Czech Foreign Minister, who said public statements by foreign ambassadors about officials of his country were inappropriate, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Sybiha emphasized that the Ukrainian ambassador acted properly and professionally, responding to unacceptable remarks about Ukraine and its leadership.
"Ukraine’s Ambassador was absolutely right to respond to Speaker Okamura’s infuriating insults toward Ukraine and its leadership—and he did so diplomatically," Sybiha said.
He added that all Ukrainian diplomats are instructed to defend Ukraine’s dignity on the international stage. The minister stressed that such provocations cannot go unanswered, and Kyiv rejects any attempts at lecturing.
At the same time, Ukraine is not seeking escalation.
"Instead, I urge my new Czech colleague to constructive dialogue for the sake of strengthening the mutually beneficial Ukrainian-Czech strategic partnership," the minister added.
Czech statements on Ukraine
Earlier, Czech Parliament Speaker Tomio Okamura made harsh statements about Ukraine and its leadership, prompting an official Ukrainian response.
In his New Year address, Okamura said Czech budget funds should support pensioners, people with disabilities, and families with children, rather than financing weapons and military actions abroad.
He also criticized the West for supporting Kyiv, claiming that Ukraine’s partners profit from producing and selling weapons on credit.
Okamura additionally criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his inner circle, calling them a junta and questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government.
In response, Ukrainian Ambassador to Czechia Vasyl Zvarych publicly criticized Okamura’s statements, highlighting the unacceptability of offensive rhetoric.
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said it was inappropriate for a foreign ambassador to publicly comment on the statements of one of the country’s highest constitutional officials.
He emphasized that any diplomatic concerns should follow established channels, while Czech politics remain the internal affair of Czech citizens and their democratically elected representatives.
Despite the tensions, Czechia remains an important partner for Ukraine in Europe, especially in the areas of security and support during the war with Russia.
Kyiv stressed that while defending national dignity firmly, Ukraine expects the continuation of dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation with Prague.
Meanwhile, opposition forces in Czechia have initiated a vote in the Chamber of Deputies to remove Speaker Tomio Okamura following his controversial New Year address.
In Czechia, there is increasing discussion about a possible review of support for Ukraine, including questions around loan guarantees and ammunition deliveries.
The Czech government has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine but stated it is not ready to act as a guarantor for Ukrainian loans due to limited budgetary capacity.
