The Czech Republic has opened a new embassy office in Dnipro, Ukraine, becoming the only Western nation with a diplomatic presence in eastern Ukraine.

The inauguration on Wednesday was led by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, alongside Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk military administration. Also attending were Ambassador Radek Pech and Mykola Lukashuk, chairman of the Dnipropetrovsk regional council.

“This is true bravery,” Lukashuk said, addressing the minister. “Rocket attacks and shelling continue, yet you are here. On behalf of all our residents, who account for eleven percent of the region’s population, thank you.”

He also praised Ambassador Pech and other embassy staff for their efforts, noting, “They have done a tremendous job.”

Located on the fourth floor of a central Dnipro building, the Czech mission is the first official state office opened in eastern Ukraine since the war started.

It will host business negotiations, meetings with non-profits, and other activities supporting the region. Two Czech diplomats will travel regularly to manage the office, while a local official will handle day-to-day operations in their absence.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyjnys attended the opening, highlighting long-standing cooperation between the Czech Republic and Dnipropetrovsk.

Reflecting on his time as Ukraine’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, Perebyjnys called the decision to open the office strategic, emphasizing the region’s importance for Ukraine’s ongoing defense and future reconstruction. “This region will be key for the renewal of the country,” he said.

In his remarks, Ambassador Pech acknowledged the embassy staff before passing the floor to Minister Lipavský. “Today is a historic day,” Lipavský stated. “We are renewing the Czech diplomatic presence in eastern Ukraine.”

Lipavský expressed hope that similar offices might be opened in Crimea, Luhansk, or Donetsk in the future, reinforcing the Czech Republic’s long-term support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Photo: Vojtěch Bauer, Novinky

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