Data from a Median poll conducted for Radiožurnál reveals that nearly half of Czechs believe that a Ukrainian counterattack will not lead to a faster resolution of the war. The Ukrainian offensive against Russian occupiers commenced approximately a month ago, resulting in the liberation of nearly 160 square kilometers, as reported by Kiev this week.
Of the respondents, 47% expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s counteroffensive in expediting the end of the conflict. This view was most commonly held among individuals over the age of 59, those without a high school diploma, and nearly 50% of residents from the Moravia and Silesia regions.
Conversely, 39% of university students and a majority of voters from the SPOLU, STAN, and Petr Pavel parties believed that an offensive would contribute to a quicker resolution of the conflict, according to Przemysl Čech, the head of Median.
Approximately a quarter of the population remained undecided on the matter.
Since the war’s onset, the Czech Republic has provided significant military support to Ukraine, including tanks, infantry vehicles, ammunition, equipment, and spare parts. Defense Minister Jana Chernokhova stated that the country still possesses additional equipment that can be supplied to Ukraine without depleting its own resources. The Czech Republic is also actively engaged in the training of Ukrainian soldiers.
President Petr Pavel recalled that the Czech Republic, including private companies and citizens, has contributed a total of 45 billion crowns in support of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
During a state visit by President Vladimir Zelensky, President Pavel pledged further assistance to Ukraine. Zelensky expressed gratitude, stating, “The Czech participation in the fate of Ukraine is evident, we feel it in defense and politics, in everything we do for the freedom of our people. I want to thank you, Mr. President, and the Czech people for everything you are doing to help our people and our children,” following a meeting with Pavel at Prague Castle on Thursday.
Several other Western countries have also increased their shipments of weapons and heavy military equipment to Ukraine in recent weeks. Defense ministers from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Denmark have pledged to provide Ukraine with anti-aircraft systems and hundreds of missiles.
