Czech news in brief for February 23: Sunday’s top headlines

Thousands gathered at Prague’s Old Town Square Sunday to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The event, attended by President Petr Pavel and featuring a video address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was organized by NGOs including People in Need. Speakers included historian Timothy Snyder and actors Ivan Trojan and Václav Vydra. A symbolic musical flashmob honored fallen Ukrainian soldiers, and a march to the Taras Shevchenko monument followed.

A new STEM poll shows ANO leading with 34.7 percent support, followed by the ruling Spolu coalition at 18.5 percent and STAN at 11.4 percent. SPD, the Pirates, and Stačilo! would also enter the Chamber of Deputies, while the Motorists party remains below the 5 percent threshold. Compared to last week’s results, ANO and STAN slightly gained traction. ANO would hold 88 parliamentary seats, a 32-seat increase from 2021, while Spolu would lose 25.

A memorial plaque honoring resistance fighter Petr Křivka was unveiled today at Brno’s Central Cemetery. Křivka opposed Austrian, Nazi, and communist regimes before his execution in 1951. Speakers at the event, including officials from Kobylí, his birthplace, emphasized the importance of remembering those who fought for freedom. Křivka, who escaped Nazi captivity and later served in exile, was arrested by the communist regime and sentenced to death.

In 2024, Czechs placed a total of CZK 983 billion in gambling bets, marking a 12.5 percent increase from the previous year. Wagering grew across all major gambling categories, with payouts rising by 12.7 percent to CZK 917.3 billion. The most popular type of gambling was technical games, such as slot machines, which accounted for 78.8 percent of the total bets. Gambling operators paid CZK 21.4 billion in taxes.

A man was found dead in the Elbe River near Lochenice on Saturday afternoon. Authorities responded to the scene after a witness reported the body floating in the river. Police divers and firefighters retrieved the body. An autopsy has been ordered, but there are no signs of foul play at this time. The police are withholding the man’s identity for now.

A man was found dead outside a primary school in Kladno on Sunday morning. Police believe he died while attempting to break into the building through an open window. The cause of death appears to be accidental, with no signs of foul play. Local detectives have documented the scene and are investigating the incident.

After a cold spell last week, temperatures in Czechia rose to nearly 15 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with the warmest readings in Šumava. Two weather stations broke records for Feb. 22. Ice conditions have worsened; in Frýdek-Místek and Prague, thin ice collapsed under people, prompting safety warnings. More warmer weather is expected this week, with highs around 10 degrees Celsius.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala pledged continued support for Ukraine, calling it “right and necessary” ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Czechia has provided CZK 7.3 billion in military aid and trained over 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Fiala emphasized Ukraine’s fight is also for European security and vowed to back all efforts leading to a just and lasting peace.

NATO plans to extend its fuel pipeline network from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure rapid jet fuel supply in case of conflict, Der Spiegel reports. The Cold War-era system currently stops in western Germany. The €21 billion (CZK 525 billion) project is expected to be largely completed by 2035, addressing supply concerns for forces near NATO’s eastern border.

Police were called multiple times to a Ukrainian wedding in Prague’s Stodůlky district on Saturday night due to repeated brawls among intoxicated guests. One person was injured and treated by paramedics. A pool of blood was seen outside the venue. Special police units equipped with riot control weapons responded. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Since February 2022, 2,094 Ukrainian health workers have begun working in Czechia, the Health Ministry reported. Some arrived before the war, while others gained recognition after passing Czech-language exams. In three years, around 700 Ukrainian doctors received temporary permits, with 285 recognized since late 2023. The approval process takes up to 1.5 years, with success rates varying by specialty.

Czechia has brokered the delivery of about 1.5 million artillery rounds to Ukraine in 2024, the Defense Ministry said. The country has provided military aid worth 7.3 billion crowns since the war began and trained over 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Czech leaders, including President Petr Pavel, continue seeking funding to sustain ammunition supplies through international partnerships and initiatives.