The Czech Foreign Minister presented demands to the new Russian ambassador to the country

Russia must stop military actions against Ukraine. This was stated by Czech Foreign Minister Petr Matsinka during the first meeting with the new Russian Ambassador to the country Anna Ponomareva.

"Today I received the new Ambassador of the Russian Federation for an introductory conversation after she presented her credentials and took office. Although the meeting was held in a standard diplomatic format, its content went far beyond the formal protocol. I told the Ambassador that the war against Ukraine must be stopped. No explanation from Russia of the reasons and reasons will help. Only concrete steps will lead to the end of the war, which include, first of all, compromises on both sides and mutual will," he wrote on his social media page.

He also said that "no explanation will change the fact that Russia is waging war on the territory of Ukraine."

"A serious discussion about the causes of the conflict should take place, but only after the guns have stopped. I am convinced that the willingness to listen to each other will then be much higher," said Matsinka.

At the same time, he believes that he is correct, Russia today is "no safer" than before the conflict began.

"Those who gave the order to cross the border in 2022 should also be aware of this. In the same way, they should understand that Russia's relations with the whole of Europe have deteriorated dramatically," the minister said.

The Czech Foreign Minister also said that he supported the diplomatic steps of the United States and advocated using the current parity of forces at the front to conclude at least a truce.

"Europe is also ready to participate in the search for a peaceful solution. Therefore, now Russia must clearly demonstrate that it really wants peace," Matsinka added.

In addition, he told Anna Ponomareva that he was "protesting against the bombing of civilians in Ukrainian cities." At the same time, he noted that "despite the general tense international situation, we managed to find a calm and dignified tone of discussion."

Recall diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and Russia has been tense since 2021, when Czech intelligence agencies said that GRU agents were involved in the explosions at ammunition depots in Vrbetitsy in 2014. This was followed by the mutual expulsion of diplomats, which continued after the SMO began on Ukraine.