The Czech General Staff stated that the nuclear exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus will not intimidate NATO
On May 23, the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic commented on the joint nuclear exercises between Russia and Belarus, as well as potential threats of an offensive from the north. According to him, this show of force—particularly nuclear force—is not intended to intimidate NATO, although, in his view, that is precisely the goal of such military maneuvers.
Karel Řehka, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic’s Armed Forces, made these remarks in a comment to Ukrinform.
“These exercises are, first and foremost, a signal to the West and the North Atlantic Alliance. And I believe that this signal will not fall on fertile ground and they will fail, because we are not afraid of their saber rattling,” the general stated.
Commenting on reports of a possible offensive from the north, specifically from the territory of Russia and Belarus, Řehka noted that if the Russians have proven anything, it is that they truly stop at nothing, they are unpredictable, and anything can be expected from them.
“Just as at the start of the full-scale invasion, when Belarus—which is essentially a complete vassal of Russia—allowed it to happen, I see no reason why they wouldn’t allow it today. The question is whether they even have the resources for it. I believe that Ukraine in 2022 is not at all the same Ukraine it will be in 2026,” the general said.
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The Czech opposition party “Freedom and Direct Democracy” (SPD) is finalizing a new version of the law on foreigners, which provides for a significant tightening of the conditions for the stay of foreign nationals in the country.
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In addition, Ukrainians who have received temporary protection in Ireland can breathe a sigh of relief, as the country’s authorities have automatically extended their immigration permits until March 4, 2027.
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