Czech news in brief for February 21: Saturday's top afternoon headlines

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning for freezing rain in parts of Czechia on Sunday, mainly in the Olomouc region, with icy conditions expected from morning to mid-afternoon. As temperatures rise and rain spreads, forecasters caution that rivers in several Bohemian regions could reach the first flood alert level due to snowmelt and runoff. Temperatures may climb to 11 degrees Celsius on Sunday and up to 16 degrees later next week.

People across Czechia are marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine with marches and rallies in Prague, Brno and other cities. In the capital, a small procession carried a Ukrainian flag from the National Museum to Old Town Square, where President Petr Pavel was expected to attend a solidarity event. Participants honoured war victims and voiced continued support for Ukraine.

Former industry minister Lukáš Vlček says Czechia must diversify exports amid chaotic U.S. tariff policy after rulings by the Supreme Court of the United States and new tariffs announced by Donald Trump on Friday. While direct impacts on Czech exports to the US may be limited, he warned of indirect effects through EU partners and called for stronger trade ties beyond Europe to reduce risk and uncertainty.

The Jewish Museum in Prague will return 39 synagogue textiles looted by the Nazis to Greece, their country of origin. The items, mainly from Thessaloniki’s Sephardic community, were seized during World War II and later found in Czech territory. They were formally received in Prague by the director of the Jewish Museum of Greece, marking what Czech Jewish representatives called a moral obligation to restore dispersed heritage.

Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev praised Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia as “patriotic” states, contrasting them with what he called “liberal bureaucratic Europe.” He was reacting to remarks by US President Donald Trump highlighting the same countries. Dmitriev has previously commended Prime Minister Andrej Babiš over comments on Ukraine peace talks, drawing criticism from opponents.

Poll results: With egg prices in Czechia up 20 percent year-on-year, we asked readers if the rise has affected their shopping habits. Forty-five percent said they still buy the same type and amount, 28 percent look for cheaper options, 14 percent buy fewer eggs, and 13 percent haven’t noticed a change. Voting is still open.