Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Prague on Sunday for an official visit focused on strengthening the Czech Republic's military, diplomatic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

This trip marks President Zelensky's first visit to the Czech capital since July 2023, underscoring the continued importance of this bilateral relationship as the war in Ukraine persists.  

President Zelensky announced his arrival via his X account, expressing his gratitude for the Czech Republic's steadfast support. He is scheduled to meet with Czech President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle later on Saturday afternoon, a meeting that is expected to highlight the deep partnership between the two nations.  

In his online statement, President Zelensky specifically lauded the effectiveness of the Czech-led artillery initiative, a crucial program launched in 2024 to mitigate critical ammunition shortages faced by Ukraine due to delays in aid from the United States. This initiative, supported by countries like Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark, has significantly bolstered Ukraine's artillery capabilities on the front lines through the pooling of resources from allied nations. "The Czech artillery initiative has proven effective, and we will continue this effort," President Zelensky affirmed.  

The agenda for the visit also includes discussions on ongoing cooperation in military aviation. This encompasses pilot training programs for Ukrainian air force personnel and support for Ukraine's growing fleet of F-16 fighter jets. These efforts are central to Kyiv's strategy to modernize its air capabilities and establish enduring defense partnerships with its allies.  

Furthermore, diplomatic coordination aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire in the conflict will be a key topic of discussion between the two leaders. President Zelensky emphasized the need for "joint pressure on Russia to achieve a lasting ceasefire and an end to the war."  

President Pavel's visit to Ukraine in March served to reaffirm the Czech Republic's commitment to Ukraine's defense and its eventual post-war reconstruction efforts. Since the onset of the Russian invasion, the Czech Republic has also played a significant humanitarian role, providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians displaced by the conflict.  

President Zelensky's visit to Prague underscores the Czech Republic's prominent position as one of Ukraine's most reliable and steadfast European allies, offering crucial support both on the ground and within international diplomatic arenas. (ILKHA)