Czech Citizen Killed Fighting in Ukraine

A Czech citizen has died in Ukraine, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on Saturday, confirming media reports about the first casualty among Czech volunteers fighting in the country.

“I can confirm that a Czech citizen has died in the Donetsk region of Ukraine,” Lipavsky told reporters. “The body should be transported to Kharkiv region tomorrow.”

More than a hundred Czechs have joined the Ukrainian armed forces, with the consent of Czech authorities, to help in Ukraine’s defence against the invasion launched by Russia on February 24.

Czech Republic, Poland Set New Rounds Of Military Aid To Ukraine

Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said that Prague intends to soon send Kyiv armaments worth $26 million to $30 million.

“It’s crucial that the aid is steady,” she said, adding that the country has sent more than $150 million in military aid supplies since the start of Russia’s invasion on February 24.

Cernochova did not provide details on the type or extent of the military aid for security reasons but said heavy weaponry would be included.

Czech media have reported that T-72 tanks, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, Dana howitzers, and potentially Soviet-made combat helicopters would be among the supplies provided.

Meanwhile, Poland is giving Ukraine 18 AHS Krab self-propelled howitzers.

The AHS Krab has a maximum firing range of 40 kilometers.

Polish public radio also reported that Poland has trained some 100 Ukrainian artillerymen to operate the howitzers.