Ukraine responded to the actions of the Czech Speaker by raising the Czech flag in the Verkhovna Rada
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, raised the flag of the Czech Republic within the walls of the parliament. This act became a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the support received from the Czech people since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Stefanchuk made this decision in response to the actions of the newly elected Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura from the far-right “Freedom and Direct Democracy” (SPD) party. To recall, on November 3, Okamura ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the parliament building, which had been displayed there as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people since February 2022. This move caused a mixed reaction within the Czech Republic.
In his Facebook comment, Stefanchuk urged to remember Moscow’s criminal role in historical events, emphasizing the importance of preserving friendly relations between nations. He reminded of the words of the first president of modern-day Czech Republic, Václav Havel, regarding Russian expansion.
Okamura’s actions drew criticism from political opponents. The former speaker, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, characterized the removal of the Ukrainian flag as a “shameful gesture,” while leaders of other parties commented that it undermines the principles of solidarity and the pro-Western orientation of the Czech Republic.
