Czech news in brief for February 24: Tuesday's top afternoon headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel said Tuesday that ensuring national and European security is a shared responsibility, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a Senate hearing, Pavel called for updated defense legislation, stronger civic education, and public engagement in crisis preparedness. He emphasized support for Ukraine and warned that hybrid threats blur the line between military and civilian crises.

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka will address an extraordinary UN General Assembly session on Tuesday on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Macinka, in New York since last week, will also attend a Security Council meeting. He previously visited Ukraine in January, praising its peace concessions, and met U.S. officials, including Senator Marco Rubio and former President Donald Trump, at the Peace Council.

Václav Havel Airport will close its main runway for 4½ months starting March 30 for essential maintenance and upgrades, including taxiway expansions and new navigation lights. During the closure, flights will use the secondary runway, which cannot operate in low visibility. The closure will cover the summer travel peak, with increased air traffic expected over Prague neighborhoods. The work aims to enhance safety, reliability, and long-term airport modernization.

Leonardo DiCaprio is set to arrive in Prague this week to begin filming Martin Scorsese’s new feature, What Happens at Night. The Oscar-winning actor joins a cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen, and Patricia Clarkson. The production, based on Peter Cameron’s novel, is being shot for Apple TV+. DiCaprio comes after a busy European awards season, including a BAFTA nomination for his role in One Battle after Another.

Three-quarters of Czechs view U.S. President Donald Trump negatively, a CVVM survey shows, with 75 percent saying he weakens democracy. Only 20 percent rate him positively, down from 28 percent in March 2025. Young people and those with higher education were especially critical. Most Czechs also see U.S. foreign policy as self-interested, with just 23 percent considering the United States an ally, behind Poland, Germany, and Slovakia.