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Summary for: Babiš rejects claim Czech government has softened its stance on RussiaPrime Minister Andrej Babiš rejected a claim by Russia’s ambassador to Prague that the Czech government has softened its rhetoric toward Moscow.
“I don’t know anything about it. I don’t even know that, and it’s definitely not true,” Babiš told ČTK during an ANO campaign rally in Lipník nad Bečvou on Saturday.
Russian Ambassador Anna Ponomareva had told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency that Moscow had noticed a change under Babiš’s government following years of strained Czech-Russian relations.
Ambassador points to calls for negotiations
“Yes, we have noticed that the current government of the Czech Republic has toned down its anti-Russian rhetoric,” Ponomareva said.
She pointed to Babiš’s support for negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and his January statement that Czech taxpayers’ money would no longer finance the country’s ammunition initiative.
Ponomareva nevertheless said a broader normalization of relations remained unlikely while Czech-made weapons and ammunition continued to reach Ukraine.
Opposition politicians responded by urging the government not to minimize the security risks posed by Russia.
Babiš calls for war to end
Asked about Ukraine during Saturday’s rally, Babiš said Europe should focus on rebuilding the country and ending the conflict.
He argued that Washington was communicating with Russian President Vladimir Putin while European leaders had largely failed to pursue direct talks.
“I think nobody wants war,” Babiš said. “It would be good if this armed conflict ended as soon as possible.”
The prime minister said responsibility for finding a solution rested with European and global leaders. He also claimed that arms manufacturers, banks and energy companies were among those profiting from the continued fighting.
