"Since the fall of communism, the biggest changes have occurred": The Czech Prime Minister urged Europe to prepare for defense against Russia.

EU nations must prioritize their own defense. This was stated by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in a speech commemorating the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Monday.

According to the Czech Prime Minister, former U.S. President Donald Trump significantly altered foreign policy, and European countries need to respond to this, reports Radio Svoboda.

“The international order is undergoing the most significant changes since the fall of communism,” Fiala declared. He clarified that Trump's actions concerning Ukraine indicate a political shift in the United States away from Europe.

“This does not mean that the U.S. is no longer an ally,” the Prime Minister reassured.

Fiala emphasized that Russia remains a major threat, and to combat it, strength and determination are essential.

Fiala noted that the Czech Republic should increase defense spending to 3% of GDP over the next few years. The Prime Minister also discussed the adoption of new EU regulations that will allow for the procurement of arms.

European Union states should also utilize frozen Russian assets to provide further military assistance to Ukraine, Fiala stated.

Prague has been providing military and humanitarian aid to Kyiv since the early days of the war and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

Background. Earlier, it was reported that the Czech Republic secured 1.6 million shells for Ukraine and promises to deliver them by April. Prague is raising funds from its NATO allies and leveraging its connections in countries that are reluctant to openly support Ukraine.