Defense minister Martin Stropnický says Czechs opposed to arms deliveries to Ukraine

Czech Minister of Defense Martin Stropnický said that the Czech Republic does not believe that sending arms to Ukraine would help the current escalation in the war against Russian backed separatists in the east of the country. Stropnický repeated the Czech line during an interview Sunday on Czech Television’s flagship current affairs programme. He said a breakdown in the current negotiations led by France and Germany with Russia might change the standpoint of some European NATO members over arms deliveries, but he doubted whether Prague would change its position. Prague has so far sent some help, such as winter clothing to the Ukraine army, and some advisors and technical help. The leadership of the main government party, the Social Democrats, resolved Saturday that arms to Ukraine would only risk escalating the situation there.

Author: Chris Johnstone