Czech PM plans first in-person talks with Zelenskyy in Armenia

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is planning to hold a brief personal meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Armenia, where both leaders are expected to attend the European Political Community summit.

Speaking to the iDNES.cz portal, Babiš confirmed that the meeting will take place in Yerevan but did not disclose the specific topics to be discussed. The encounter will mark his first in-person meeting with Zelensky since assuming office as prime minister.

“There I will also hold short bilateral meetings with UK Prime Minister Starmer, the Prime Minister of Serbia and the President of Moldova. For the first time, I will also hold talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky,” Babiš said, outlining his schedule for the summit following visits to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

“It is important that we meet,” he added, commenting on the planned talks with the Ukrainian leader.

Despite the planned meeting, Babiš said he does not intend to visit Ukraine. “No, I will not go to Kyiv,” he stated.

He noted, however, that another opportunity to meet Zelensky could arise in the future at a conference in Poland focused on Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Babiš is set to travel to Armenia on May 3 to participate in the European Political Community summit, where leaders are expected to discuss energy and economic security, the current geopolitical situation, and efforts to strengthen stability across Europe.

By Tamilla Hasanova