Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is back in Prague today.
His arrival has led to the closure of Prague Castle and extra police patrols across the area. Czech President Petr Pavel is expected to meet with Zelensky during the visit.
Zelensky last visited Prague in July 2023, during his first trip abroad after the war in Ukraine began. That visit was also kept quiet until the last minute for security reasons — and this one is no different.
Prague Castle is shut to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All ticket offices, gardens, museums, and visitor centers are closed for the entire day.
Zelensky is expected to meet not only with President Pavel but also with Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. His wife, Olena Zelenska, is also in Prague with her own separate schedule.
According to Czech Radio’s Radiožurnál, all signs point to Zelensky arriving today, though no official confirmation has been given. Police spokesperson Ondřej Moravčík said the visit would not affect weekend traffic but gave no further details.
The Castle will partially reopen after 4:30 p.m., but parts of the first and second courtyards will stay closed, said Castle spokesman Vojtěch Šeliga.
During Zelensky’s last visit, he arrived in Prague on a Czech government plane from Bulgaria, continued on to Slovakia, and then traveled to Turkey.
While in Prague, he met with the President, Prime Minister, and leaders of both houses of Parliament.
Today’s visit comes as Ukraine continues to ask for more support from Europe. The Czech Republic has backed Ukraine strongly since the war began, and Zelensky’s visit shows that the two countries are staying close partners.