Czech PM calls on Europe to do more to end Ukraine war, points to Trump

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš called on European leaders Wednesday to do more to bring an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, contrasting Europe's approach with U.S. President Donald Trump's direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking during an official visit to Bulgaria, Babiš said Europe should increase diplomatic efforts to stop the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"Europe should finally try to end this war," Babiš said, arguing that European leaders were "doing nothing." He pointed to Trump's recent lengthy telephone conversation with Putin as an example of direct diplomacy.

Ukraine was among the subjects discussed during Babiš's meeting in Sofia with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. The two leaders linked the continuing conflict to pressures on European energy prices and the wider economy.

Radev also expressed hope that greater attention would be given to achieving peace.

"It is not possible to wage war in the heart of Europe," the Bulgarian prime minister said.

Trump has repeatedly attempted to broker an end to the conflict since returning to the White House in January 2025, but no peace agreement has been reached.

Following another call with Putin last week, Trump said the Russian president wanted the war to end and suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should demonstrate the same intention. Trump also urged Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, arguing that the strikes were harming the global economy.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Putin's orders in February 2022 and continues to occupy Ukrainian territory.

Babiš's comments focused on what he described as the need for greater European diplomatic engagement, rather than outlining a specific Czech proposal for ending the conflict.

The war formed part of a broader discussion in Sofia about Europe's economic and energy challenges.

Babiš also cited instability in the Middle East and risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, both strategically important routes for global energy supplies and trade.

Energy policy was another major theme of the visit. Babiš sought Bulgarian support for Czechia's push to postpone the EU's ETS 2 emissions trading system for buildings and road transport and suspend the existing ETS 1 system.

Babiš was accompanied to Sofia by Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček and a delegation of around 50 Czech business representatives. Czech officials are also promoting the potential sale of eight Aero Vodochody L-39 Skyfox aircraft to Bulgaria.

The visit comes as Babiš's government continues to emphasize economic diplomacy abroad. In June, the prime minister also backed greater involvement by Czech companies in the eventual reconstruction of Ukraine.