Czech Election Leader Babiš Signals Shift From Ukraine Support

Andrej Babis's right-wing ANO party won the Czech parliamentary elections, signaling a potential shift in the country's stance on support for Ukraine. Babis has expressed skepticism about Ukraine's readiness to join the European Union, emphasizing that the war must end before such accession is considered, though he supports continued cooperation with Ukraine. He also promised to stop direct military aid to Kiev, preferring Ukraine to be helped through the EU budget rather than direct Czech assistance. Babis criticized the Czech-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine, advocating for transparency and NATO management to prevent profiteering. This election outcome reflects growing fatigue among Czech voters regarding financial support for Ukraine and aligns Czech policy more closely with the euroskeptic and pro-Russian stances of neighboring Hungary and Slovakia. The shift raises questions about the future of Czech support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and EU enlargement discussions.