The removal of Ukrainian flags from prominent Czech government buildings has continued following the inauguration of the new coalition government led by ANO, SPD, and the Motorists. The Ukrainian flag is no longer displayed in front of the Government Office, where it had flown since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It was replaced by the European Union flag.
Earlier, the flag was also taken down from the building of the lower house of parliament. SPD leader Tomio Okamura, newly elected as head of the Chamber of Deputies, personally oversaw the removal. Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar of ANO has since ensured that the flag was no longer displayed elsewhere.
A brief appearance of a black flag outside the Government Office on Monday, January 5th, sparked speculation, but government spokeswoman Karela Mráčková said it was unrelated to international events and resulted from an internal matter. She stressed that Ukraine’s flag would still be flown on significant occasions, such as the anniversary of the Russian invasion, adding that Czech support for Ukraine should not be judged by symbolism alone.
On Wednesday, January 7th, the State Security Council met in Prague to discuss the continuation of the Czech-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine, attended by President Petr Pavel. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš later confirmed that the programme would continue, reaffirming the Czech Republic’s coordinating role in international support for Ukraine despite the visible shift in official flag displays.
