The Czech Republic should more actively adopt Ukraine’s experience in the field of drones — Senator
On Wednesday, the Czech Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security discussed the use of drones and measures to counter them in the country. The committee also discussed the movement of individuals holding Russian diplomatic passports within Europe.
Committee Chairman Pavel Fischer told Ukrinform about this.
Representatives from the ministries of industry, transport, interior, police, fire services, and others were invited to the discussion. They discussed the best ways to “deploy” drones to enhance security in the country, how to build anti-drone defenses, and other related topics.
“We discussed how important it is to draw on the experience of Ukraine, which has become a true powerhouse in the use of drones. Our committee agrees on the need to apply this experience more extensively than before,” said Fischer.
He personally views it critically that the Czech Republic’s Minister of Defense has not yet visited Ukraine and has not signed a single document on cooperation in the field of drones. Drones are what decide many things today, as evidenced by the interest in Ukrainian technologies from the Gulf countries, the senator added.
Another topic of discussion was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ measures regarding the movement of Russian citizens holding diplomatic or service passports.
“This is a very sensitive issue today, as we are seeing an increase in various espionage and sabotage activities that may be carried out by citizens of the Russian Federation with diplomatic status,” noted Fischer.
The committee adopted a separate resolution calling on the government to strengthen the protection of the Czech Republic’s security and sovereignty, as “security priorities are clear.”
Fischer noted that within the EU, a system is already in place whereby every Russian diplomat not accredited in the Czech Republic must report in advance on their movements within the country.
“We share the view that these measures need to be tightened, and that authorization should be required, not just notification of travel plans. Because we believe that, given the level of security threats, there is a need to ‘tighten the screws’ on those who have provided cover for various sabotage operations,” the lawmaker said.
For a long time, the Czech Republic has underestimated the importance of defense and citizen safety in the context of conflict situations linked to the deterioration of the global security situation, the senator said.
Babiš acknowledged that the Czech Republic will not meet NATO’s 2% of GDP defense spending target.
During a visit to Brussels, the Speaker of the Czech Senate discussed support for Ukraine and European defense. Meetings were held with NATO and European Parliament leadership. The focus of the discussions was on strengthening security and further assistance to Ukraine.
The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially summoned Russian Ambassador Alexander Zmievsky to deliver a strong note of protest. The diplomatic move was prompted by open threats from the Russian Ministry of Defense and Dmitry Medvedev against Czech companies.
