On February 21, tens of thousands of Czech citizens gathered in Prague’s Old Town Square to show their solidarity with Ukraine, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The event, titled “Together for Ukraine,” aimed to reaffirm Czech support for Ukraine despite conflicting political messages globally.
Organizers emphasized the necessity of standing with Ukraine, highlighting that decisions regarding peace should be made by Ukrainians themselves. They asserted that ending the war should not come at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Among the speakers was Czech President Petr Pavel, who underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine, stating, “Czechia must help Ukraine, as it fights for our freedom too.” He further remarked on the significance of the conflict, asserting, “This war concerns us all. If anyone claims they are tired of hearing about Ukraine, they are indifferent to our own future.”
Pavel expressed that peace would eventually prevail in Ukraine, but its nature would have long-lasting implications for European security. “This is not just Ukraine’s war; it is our war as well,” he added.
Participants displayed large flags of Ukraine and the Czech Republic during the rally. Many shared their motivations for attending, emphasizing the importance of international support for Ukraine. Martin Kloausberg, a Prague resident, stated, “I came here to support Ukraine, especially as the new Czech government has made populist claims about aid, suggesting that funds for Ukrainians could be better spent on Czechs.”
Another attendee, Daniel Kraus, remarked, “Supporting Ukraine is not a political issue for me; it is about supporting freedom and democracy worldwide.”
Since the onset of the war, the Czech Republic has been active in assisting Ukraine, welcoming hundreds of thousands of refugees, providing military aid, and spearheading initiatives to supply ammunition to Ukrainian defense forces.
In December 2025, a new cabinet led by billionaire Andrej Babiš took office in the Czech Republic, which includes the “Motorists’ Party” led by Minister Petr Macinka and the SPD party led by Tomi Okamura. Babiš’s party has advocated for reducing support for Ukraine, including halting arms supplies. The SPD has openly criticized the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the assistance provided by Prague, with Okamura ordering the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the parliament building on his first day as speaker.
A massive rally in Prague saw tens of thousands of citizens expressing unwavering support for Ukraine, amidst political shifts in the Czech government. Speakers, including President Petr Pavel, emphasized the importance of continuing aid and solidarity with Ukraine, highlighting the broader implications for European security.