In a Twitter post on Jan. 6, Sybiha described what sounds like a substantive and respectful phone call with Macinka.
“I congratulated my counterpart on his appointment and thanked for Czechia’s unwavering support for our country—political, economical, military, and humanitarian,” the Ukrainian minister said.
“First and foremost, we discussed our bilateral relations. We agreed to turn over the page of the recent exchanges of statements and strengthen our political dialogue at the level of foreign ministries based on mutual respect and strategic partnership. Ukraine and Czechia are genuine friends and allies.”
He added that Kyiv is keen to deepen defense cooperation with Prague and to involve Czechia in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction.
The ministers also discussed the situation on the battlefield, recent Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and ongoing peace efforts. They agreed that “there is no alternative to forcing Russia to stop its aggression as soon as possible.”
Sybiha invited Macinka to visit Ukraine. Macinka accepted and is expected in Kyiv “in the nearest future.”
In Okamura’s New Year’s address, the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies opposed supplying weapons to Ukraine and accused Western governments and arms manufacturers of profiteering. He said Czechs should not spend money “that belongs to pensioners, people with disabilities or families with children” on what he called an “utterly senseless war.” He also referred to “Ukrainian thieves” around the country’s “green junta” who are “building golden toilets for themselves.”
Ukrainian Ambassador to Czechia Vasyl Zvarych called Okamura’s remarks “offensive and full of hatred.” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry described them as a personal position shaped by Russian propaganda. Macinka later criticized Zvarych’s comments about Okamura, but Sybiha defended the ambassador.
On Jan. 5, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Czech chargé d’affaires over Okamura’s statements. The same day, Czech PM Andrej Babiš said Zvarych had no right to criticize the speaker, calling the ambassador’s reaction a breach of diplomatic protocol.