Czech Republic reverses ban on funding Ukrainian weapon purchases

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka confirmed the policy pivot shortly before departing for the summit, signaling a departure from the administration’s previous hardline stance. While the specific financial scope remains undisclosed, state officials confirmed that existing mandatory budget projects are being repurposed to facilitate the contribution. This shift follows weeks of blunt diplomatic signals from the United States.

American Ambassador Nicholas Merrick had long urged Prague to participate in the PURL program, but Babiš held firm until officials in Washington reportedly demanded a concrete remedy rather than political excuses. According to sources familiar with recent discussions, the U.S. side made it clear that the Czech Republic must stop seeking tolerance for its inaction and instead fulfill its alliance commitments. The move comes as NATO leaders prepare a joint communique expected to mandate further sanctions against Russia and enhanced support for Ukraine’s air defense systems.