Designated Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has said the Czech Republic should not take part in financially guaranteeing assistance to Ukraine.

The responsibility for future funding must rest with the European Union rather than individual member states, he added.

“Prague does not have the resources to underwrite aid for other countries. The European Commission must find alternative mechanisms to cover Ukraine’s needs, and ending the war should remain the priority.”

During the next European Union summit, leaders will debate how to cover Ukraine’s financial needs in 2026 and 2027. The European Commission has presented two options: a joint EU loan backed by the EU budget, which would require unanimous approval, or a reparations-style loan secured by frozen Russian state assets, which could pass with a qualified majority.

Members of the outgoing Czech government reacted sharply. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný, who also leads the Christian Democrats (KDU-ČSL), warned that withdrawing from active support for Ukraine would harm Czech security and economic interests. He said continued participation in joint initiatives, including ammunition supplies, directly benefits the country and its industry.

Interior Minister Vít Rakušan, leader of the STAN movement, criticised what he described as a break from the Czech Republic’s established approach within the EU. He argued that disagreements should be accompanied by alternative proposals, not refusals, and warned against aligning with obstructionist positions taken by other European leaders.

Similar concerns were raised by Jiří Pospíšil of TOP 09, who said indifference to Ukraine’s fate would carry long-term consequences. Transport Minister Martin Kupka added that the statement marked a risky shift in foreign policy, accusing the incoming prime minister of distancing himself from Ukraine from the outset.

Outgoing Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský argued that the most realistic option remains using proceeds from frozen Russian central bank assets to finance loans for Kyiv. He cautioned that internal EU negotiations must not delay urgently needed assistance.

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