Czech PM Babiš Shifts Stance, Rebukes Own Minister Over Ukraine

Newly returned Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is softening his country's support for Ukraine. Since taking power again in December, the populist leader has moved away from the strongly pro-Kyiv position of the previous government. Babiš has not sided with Russia. However, his new approach is markedly different. The shift was made clear when he publicly reprimanded his own defense minister. The minister had expressed clear support for Ukraine. Babiš's sharp criticism of this statement signals a deliberate change in policy direction. Analysts see this as Babiš distancing his government from full alignment with Kyiv. The move is being watched closely by other European Union and NATO members.