Russian agents continue to influence public opinion in Europe by using local political figures and media to promote Kremlin narratives. The latest example is in the Czech Republic, where pro-Russian political forces opposed the visit of representatives from the Third Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Prague.
The visit of the Third Assault Brigade to the Czech Republic took place as part of the brigade’s recruitment Eurotour “Dvizh. Our People Are Everywhere,” where guests can have informal conversations with soldiers and veterans of the 3rd Assault Brigade who participated in battles on various fronts in Ukraine.
During the visit, a meeting was organized between the brigade’s soldiers and Ukrainians and Czechs in a theater building in Prague. However, protesters with flags of the USSR and Czechoslovakia gathered outside the building. The protest was organized by members of the Communist Party of the Czech Republic.
The protesters accused the Ukrainian soldiers of “Nazism” and used communist symbols. One of the participants was wearing a t-shirt with the image of Russian President Putin.
The head of the Communist Party of the Czech Republic, Katerina Konečna, even appealed to the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Lipavský, demanding the cancellation of the “Dvizh” events. The minister publicly responded to her: “Katerina, enough. Reading your request, I questioned which country you were elected from. We will soon mark the anniversary of the occupation by Soviet tanks. Those same tanks are now killing people in Ukraine, and Putin wants more of them. If anyone is imitating Nazis by killing and abducting children, it is Russia.”
Katerina Konečna is known for her pro-Russian views. She has called for the cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine, voted against European Parliament resolutions supporting Ukraine, advocated for the lifting of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and supported the purchase of Russian natural gas by EU countries.
It is worth noting that Russian intelligence services use local European politicians to spread pro-Russian narratives aimed at creating a negative image of Ukraine and its military. Their agents actively use local political forces and media to disseminate disinformation.
However, their efforts do not change the overall positive attitude towards Ukraine in Europe, although they do create certain obstacles for Ukrainian initiatives.
Therefore, the recruitment tour of the Third Assault Brigade helps expose pro-Russian elements in Europe, emphasizing the importance of countering Russian disinformation and supporting Ukrainian defenders in their fight for freedom and independence.
Pro-Russian Agents in the Czech Republic Oppose Ukrainian Defenders
