Czech Republic Leaves Intersnutnik and Reshapes Russia Policy

The Czech Republic plans to withdraw from the International Space Communication Organization Intersnutnik, whose central operations are based in Moscow. The Czech News Agency CTK reported the government has approved the move, framing it as a response to evolving geopolitical realities and Moscow’s role in regional conflicts, particularly its actions in Ukraine. Officials stressed that leaving Intersnutnik aligns with the country’s security priorities and its partnerships with Western allies, while not compromising essential space communications. Observers note that Prague’s decision fits a broader European trend of re-evaluating long-standing ties to Russian-led institutions, as nations seek affiliations that uphold transparency, rule of law, and democratic norms in critical infrastructure. The government emphasized that the departure would not disrupt Czech capabilities, since alternative networks and partners are already in place to guarantee continuity of service. This step reflects a wider shift in European space governance, where countries recalibrate their alliances to strengthen autonomy over strategic communications. The administration underscored the importance of maintaining robust, reliable space-based services through diversified routes and trusted collaborators.