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Summary for: Czech news in brief for January 18: Sunday's top afternoon headlines
Czechia faces deep freezes this week
Arctic chill
Czechia faces deep freezes this week
Czechia will experience very cold weather this week, with clear skies and strong frosts, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts. Night temperatures will drop to -2 to -7 °C on Monday, falling to -12 °C by Wednesday and reaching as low as -15 °C over the weekend. Daytime highs will generally stay around 0 °C, with isolated areas reaching 5–7 °C. Snowfall is expected mainly over the weekend.
US-Denmark Greenland dispute
Czechia urges dialogue on Greenland
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said Czechia seeks to support dialogue between the US and Denmark over Greenland. The dispute arose after US President Donald Trump expressed interest in buying Greenland, prompting resistance in Europe. Macinka met with US and Danish ambassadors and plans further talks with Denmark and NATO officials. Trump has announced additional import tariffs on several European countries until a Greenland agreement is reached.
Venezuela prisoner return
Plane with freed Czech headed to Prague
A plane carrying Czech citizen Jan Darmovzal, recently released from detention in Venezuela, is en route to Prague and expected to land this evening, Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said. Darmovzal, detained in Caracas in September 2024, was freed after weeks of negotiations and is returning with three to four other released foreign nationals. Czech authorities dispatched a military aircraft for the return.
Ukraine arms offer dispute
Macinka criticizes Pavel over Ukraine
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said President Petr Pavel acted improperly by offering Ukraine drones, early warning devices, and generators without consulting the government. Macinka stressed that such decisions require coalition discussion and that Pavel’s public announcement could hinder support. The matter will be addressed at a coalition council on Monday.
Ice swimming death
Man drowns under ice in Brno region
A man attempting to swim under the ice at Kaolínové Lake between Maršov and Lažánky on Sunday drowned, police said. Rescue teams initially tried to reach him, but the body was recovered by police divers after 15 minutes. The man, reportedly without safety equipment, did not resurface between ice holes. Authorities warned that swimming under ice is highly dangerous and should only be done with proper training and gear.
📊 POLL RESULTS: Following news that Prague ticket inspectors will soon wear body cameras, we asked readers if they have ever been fined on the city’s public transport. While a majority, 66 percent, said no, 31 percent of over 230 respondents said yes. The results highlight how common fines are among riders. Voting is still open.
