In a significant policy reversal, the Czech Republic has decided to contribute funds to a US-backed initiative designed to purchase weaponry for Ukraine. This move marks a departure from the stance held by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his coalition partners since they took office in October 2025, when they explicitly declared that not a single crown from the national budget would be allocated for such purposes.
Foreign Affairs Minister Petr Macinka confirmed the shift shortly before departing for the NATO summit in Ankara. Responding to inquiries from Deník N, Macinka stated that the government intends to redirect certain mandatory projects from the existing budget specifically into the PURL programme. This initiative serves as a specialized mechanism for NATO allies to collectively finance the procurement of American-made weapons for Ukraine.
While the Czech Republic had previously remained outside of this programme, registration and participation are now expected. Macinka was scheduled to formally announce this change in position on Tuesday, 7 July, during a dinner gathering of foreign ministers representing NATO member states and Ukraine. Although the exact financial amounts and the specific mandatory projects designated for redirection remain under discussion, high-ranking state administration sources have confirmed that a contribution is forthcoming.
The decision follows repeated pressure from the United States, including direct calls from the American ambassador in Prague, Nicholas Merrick, for the Czech government to support the initiative. The shift in policy comes just before the Ankara summit, where allies are expected to finalize a joint communique emphasizing increased sanctions against Russia and enhanced support for Ukraine’s air defense systems.
According to a high-ranking source familiar with the internal discussions, the administration was advised to move past political commentary and focus on fulfilling international commitments. The source noted that allies had stressed the necessity for the Czech Republic to clearly outline how it intends to meet its obligations, prompting the government to abandon its previous refusal to provide financial assistance for weaponry.
“We will still be clarifying it, but it is the case that some money will be directed into the PURL programme, we will be sending a contribution to it,” one high-ranking source from the state administration told Deník N. Another source from the diplomatic service confirmed this information.
