Czech news in brief for February 18: Wednesday's top morning headlines

President Petr Pavel criticized the government's proposed defense budget, calling the planned spending cuts "irresponsible." The current proposal allocates CZK 154.8 billion to the Ministry of Defense, roughly 1.73 percent of GDP, falling short of the 2 percent NATO commitment. Pavel warned that reduced spending would undermine Czech credibility among allies and partners like Ukraine. He urged the cabinet to reconsider the figures to reflect current global security risks.

Czech humanitarian organizations are requesting an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to discuss proposed reductions in development aid and social spending. Aid groups warn that the budget cuts could jeopardize essential international projects and domestic support services. The organizations are seeking clarity on the government's financial priorities for the coming year, arguing that maintaining humanitarian commitments is vital for the country's international standing and social stability.

Prague police confirmed Tuesday evening that a 23-year-old American student, missing since Feb. 10, has been located safe abroad. Authorities launched a high-profile search after she failed to board a flight home to the U.S. A second woman of Vietnamese origin, who disappeared the same weekend, also returned home safely on Saturday night. Investigators clarified she had stayed at a friend’s house in Prague without notifying her family.

The Czech national hockey team secured a 3–2 victory over Denmark in the Olympic playoff round in Milan, advancing to the quarterfinals. Martin Nečas, Roman Červenka, and David Kämpf each scored to confirm Czechia's role as favorites, despite a late-game surge by the Danes. The team now faces a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup against Canada on Wednesday. Despite the win, coach Radima Rulík noted areas for improvement before facing the tournament favorites.

Christian believers across Czechia mark Ash Wednesday today, beginning the 40-day Lenten period of spiritual preparation for Easter. Churches nationwide will hold traditional services featuring the imposition of ashes on worshippers' foreheads as a symbol of penance and mortality. In Prague, the main Ash Wednesday masses will be held at St. Vitus Cathedral (evening, around 6 p.m.) and at Strahov Monastery (also at 6 p.m.).

The Homo Homini human rights award will be presented to Belarusian opposition leader and political prisoner Mikola Statkevich at the opening of the 28th One World International Human Rights Film Festival on March 11, organizers said Tuesday. The Prague event will screen 106 films through April 24 in a record 60 towns, featuring documentaries, fiction and virtual reality works from crisis regions.