Ukraine’s ambassador slams Czech parliament speaker’s remarks

Ukraine’s ambassador to Prague, Vasil Zvarich, sharply criticised recent statements by Tomio Okamura, speaker of the Czech lower house, directed at Ukraine, its citizens, and leadership.

In a Facebook post, Zvarich stated that the offensive and hateful remarks made by Tomio Okamura toward Ukraine and its people in his New Year’s address are considered by the embassy as Okamura’s personal position, seemingly influenced by Russian propaganda, Caliber.Az reports.

"His words about my compatriots and Ukraine are unworthy and completely unacceptable. They contradict the principles of a democratic society and the values on which the Czech Republic is founded as an integral part of the European community,” the ambassador wrote.

Okamura, leader of the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party, previously opposed aid to Ukraine in his New Year speech and referred to the Zelenskyy government as a “junta.” 

In November, shortly after taking office, he ordered the Ukrainian flag removed from the Czech Chamber of Deputies building.

By Jeyhun Aghazada