Barking Dog: The Anniversary of Putin's Aggression Divides the Coalition. What is the Government Really Doing for the Attacked Ukraine?
The anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine highlights divisions within the Czech coalition government regarding support for Ukraine amid its financial struggles.
On February 24, four years have passed since the onset of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, coinciding with twelve years since the invasion of Crimea. Ukraine is teetering on the brink of financial collapse, and if it does not receive an EU loan blocked by Hungary in the coming weeks, it will face severe problems. Meanwhile, Russia is also experiencing a notable shortage of financial and human resources as time runs out for both sides.
The Czech Republic's stance has shifted significantly following the new government's installation, but the anniversary revealed significant indecision within the coalition. While Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) publicly condemns Russian aggression and briefly acknowledges the anniversary on social media—a gesture accompanied by the display of the Ukrainian flag at the government office—he appears to treat the war as a secondary issue, focusing more on domestic concerns of Czech citizens.
In stark contrast, Tomio Okamura (SPD) proudly proclaimed that neither the Ukrainian flag would be flown at the Parliament building nor on his ministers' offices, firmly illustrating the lack of unity and support for the Ukrainian cause within the coalition. This division signifies a troubling trend in Czechia's political landscape as the government grapples with international responsibilities while facing internal pressures from constituents.