Czech Parliament Deputy Speaker: A European Ukraine Is Our Security Guarantee

The Czech Republic's Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Barbora Urbanová, an opposition member, has stated that a strong, democratic, and stable Ukraine integrated into European Union structures is essential for the security of Central European countries, including her own. In an interview with Ukrinform, Urbanová emphasized the importance of Ukraine's role in European defense and highlighted that Ukrainian soldiers are demonstrating the strength of their state through real combat experience.

She believes that opposing Ukraine's integration into the EU contradicts long-term security interests for the Czech Republic, and stresses the need for open discussion about this issue, as public opinion varies, especially due to populist forces. Urbanová, who recently visited Kyiv, expressed her support for Ukraine's potential EU membership upon fulfilling the required conditions, particularly in the area of anti-corruption efforts.

She praised Ukrainians for understanding what needs to be improved for accession negotiations to succeed and noted that this topic is not being ignored. Despite her recent visit to Ukraine being initially denied by the Czech Chamber of Deputies' Organizational Committee, Urbanová was granted permission after being invited by Ukrainian deputy speaker Olena Kondratiuk.