The Ukrainian ambassador to the Czech Republic, Vasyl Zvarych, voiced sharp criticism of the statements by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Tomio Okamura, voiced in his New Year’s address.

He stressed that Okamura’s words indicate a position formed under the influence of Russian propaganda.

“The insulting and hateful statements by Tomio Okamura about Ukraine and Ukrainians, voiced today in his New Year’s address, we regard as his personal position, formed, evidently, under the influence of Russian propaganda. The words he has used about my fellow citizens and Ukraine, in particular about the democratically elected leadership of the Ukrainian state, are unworthy and absolutely unacceptable. They contradict the principles of a democratic society and the values on which the Czech Republic rests as an integral part of the European community”, said Zvarych

Zvarych expressed hope that state authorities and Czech civil society will provide due assessment of these statements and their alignment with the high public office held by Okamura.

“I believe that our republic will jump off the Brussels train, which, despite warnings from the U.S. government, is heading toward World War III, – said Okamura. – Money flows in all directions, and everyone gets something out of this business. Western companies and governments, as well as Ukrainian thieves around Zelensky’s regime, who are building toilets out of gold”

“Let them steal, but not from us, and may such a country not be in the European Union”

In November, on the very first day after being elected Speaker, Okamura ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the Chamber building. Instead, the Czech opposition hung three new flags from their parliamentary clubs.

In December, the Czech Republic officially swore in a new cabinet led by Andrej Babiš. It is expected that the government will pursue a less pro-Ukrainian policy compared with the previous government of Petr Fiala.

Babiš’s party had previously advocated reducing support for Ukraine and rejecting supplying Kyiv with weapons.

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