Kolář had originally intended to send the letter directly to Vasyl Zvarych, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, but decided to make it public after realizing that “the voice of an individual in today’s public space is very easily lost.”
By Jan. 5, more than 40,000 people had signed the letter.
“I felt the need to clearly state that statements that justify human rights violations and question solidarity with a country that has been attacked are not my voice — neither in content nor in values,” Kolář said. He added that he had previously provided shelter to Ukrainian refugees and helped them find jobs and secure an education for their children.
Kolář emphasized that many people in the Czech Republic “feel deep respect, solidarity, and gratitude toward Ukraine and its citizens” and noted that Ukraine is defending not only its territory but also “the fundamental principles of European civilization.” He described the apology as a way to demonstrate “another moral compass,” stressing that it was not aimed at a specific politician but rather at upholding basic courtesy and responsibility toward those affected by harmful words.
The apology came in response to Okamura’s New Year’s speech on Jan. 2, in which he opposed providing weapons to Ukraine. In his address, Okamura called the conflict a “completely senseless war” and criticized the use of Czech taxpayer money for Ukraine’s defense. He also accused Western European countries and Ukrainian officials of profiting from arms sales, referring to “Ukrainian thieves” around the “green junta” allegedly “building themselves toilets out of gold.”
Ukrainian Ambassador Zvarych condemned Okamura’s remarks as “offensive and full of hatred.” The Czech Foreign Ministry stated that the comments reflected Okamura’s personal position, shaped by Russian propaganda.