Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky stated that Prague intends to sustain at least the most basic level of diplomatic engagement with the Russian Federation, a stance he described as essential even in the face of tense international developments. This sentiment was reported by the TASS news agency, with CTK corroborating the remarks, highlighting that the government seeks to balance principled objections to Moscow’s actions with practical considerations tied to ongoing bilateral and regional dialogues. Lipavsky emphasized that while a full restoration of normal relations is not on the table, maintaining channels of communication remains a pragmatic choice to prevent unnecessary escalation and to support ongoing cooperation on issues where collaboration remains possible and beneficial for both sides. (CTK)
According to Lipavsky, a total of fourteen Russian diplomats have already departed from the Czech Republic, yet Prague maintains that diplomatic ties should endure for a range of concrete reasons. He pointed to the importance of ongoing, albeit scaled-back, exchanges in sectors such as consular affairs, trade facilitation, and regional security cooperation, arguing that severing contact entirely would complicate efforts to manage crises and could undermine stability in Central and Eastern Europe. The minister underscored that keeping a predictable framework for dialogue serves not only the Czech Republic but also broader European interests by ensuring that channels remain open for clarification, deconfliction, and the timely handling of any incidents that could otherwise spiral.” (CTK)
In addressing the broader geopolitical context, Lipavsky indicated that Prague favors imposing stringent sanctions in response to the situation in Ukraine. He recalled discussions at an upcoming European Union summit where the fifth package of punitive measures against Russia would be a central topic, with particular attention paid to the proposed embargo on Russian energy resources. He noted that the EU decision on advancing these measures was anticipated to be made on March 24, signaling a decisive moment for member states wrestling with the dual aims of signaling strong support for Ukraine and safeguarding European energy security. The minister also indicated that the package under consideration would scrutinize various energy-related exemptions and transitional provisions, reflecting the delicate balancing act EU governments confront in aligning punitive measures with economic stability and consumer interests. (EU Summit Briefing)
Prior reporting had indicated that EU member states were actively preparing the fifth package of sanctions aimed at Russia and were evaluating the potential for an oil embargo, among other measures. In Prague, officials stressed that any move would be coordinated through collective EU mechanisms to ensure a unified stance, minimize unintended consequences, and preserve a steadfast position against Moscow’s military actions. Lipavsky’s remarks situate Prague within a broader European effort to apply increasing pressure on Russia while simultaneously maintaining channels for dialogue where strategic interests intersect, such as energy security, transit routes, and regional security architectures shared among NATO allies and the European Union. (EU Coordination Office)