EU links Ukrainian protection to military duties as Czech travel disputes persist

New European Union rules extending temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians until March 2028 have taken effect, conditioning residency status on fulfilling military obligations to Kyiv.

The move coincides with domestic challenges in the Czech Republic linked to Ukraine. A specialized police unit, Kobra 26, is investigating organized agency labor chains and undeclared employment involving Ukrainian workers, with parliamentary committee discussions warning that tax evasion could cost the state billions of korunas.

Concurrently, Czech official travel to Kyiv has ignited political friction. Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Barbora Urbanová visited Kyiv despite her travel request being previously rejected by the parliamentary steering committee. Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff Miroslav Hlaváč is awaiting defense ministry authorization to attend an upcoming security summit in Ukraine.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy