On March 20 and 21, Czech President Petr Pavel visited Ukraine. On Thursday, he met in Odesa with regional leaders from Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson to discuss continued direct support for areas located on the front line. So far, the Czech Republic has provided aid including combat vehicles, drones, protective vests, mobile jammers to defend against drone attacks, and medical equipment such as ventilators and hospital beds.

On Friday, President Pavel was welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Together, they attended a memorial ceremony marking the liberation of the village of Moshchun. Later in Kyiv, the two leaders adopted a declaration on strategic partnership, in which the Czech Republic committed to deepening cooperation and supporting Ukraine’s path toward joining the European Union. President Pavel was also briefed on the tangible impact of Czech aid on the country.

President Pavel concluded his visit with a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. During his visit to Kyiv, he also visited the Ohmatdyt children’s hospital, which had previously been targeted in a Russian attack. In the coming years, Czech companies are going to play a significant role in the renovation of Ukrainian hospitals. He learned about projects aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, in which Czechia is actively involved. He also visited the National Library of Ukraine, connected to the Czech Archa project, which focuses on protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

photo: Zuzana Bönisch