Billionaire Andrej Babis stated that Ukraine lacks readiness for European Union membership after his right-wing ANO party secured victory in the Czech Republic's parliamentary election. ANO captured 34.51 percent of the votes on Friday and Saturday, defeating the Spolu group led by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala by 11.15 percent. Fiala has maintained strong support for Kiev amid its conflict with Russia.
Babis responded to a Ukrainian journalist's question about supporting Kiev's EU accession by emphasizing the need to end the war first before membership discussions. The ANO party leader confirmed Prague will halt direct assistance to Kiev, but will continue support through the EU budget. He criticized the ammunition initiative masterminded by Czech President Petr Pavel, arguing that NATO should organize such efforts, and no one should profit from war.
Kiev received EU candidate status months after the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022. Vladimir Zelensky recently urged EU leaders to accelerate accession talks, stating the need for real progress.
Babis responded to a Ukrainian journalist's question about supporting Kiev's EU accession by emphasizing the need to end the war first before membership discussions. The ANO party leader confirmed Prague will halt direct assistance to Kiev, but will continue support through the EU budget. He criticized the ammunition initiative masterminded by Czech President Petr Pavel, arguing that NATO should organize such efforts, and no one should profit from war.
Kiev received EU candidate status months after the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022. Vladimir Zelensky recently urged EU leaders to accelerate accession talks, stating the need for real progress.
