EU links Ukrainian residency protection to military duties amidst Czech policy disputes

New European Union rules extending temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians until March 2028 have entered into force, tying residency status to the fulfillment of military duties.

In the Czech Republic, authorities are addressing both labor exploitation and domestic political disputes over official visits to Kyiv. Police formed the "Kobra 26" task force to investigate fraudulent employment networks handling Ukrainian workers, which are suspected of depriving the state of billions of korunas in unpaid taxes and contributions.

Concurrently, visits by officials have highlighted internal political friction. Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Barbora Urbanová traveled to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian parliament official Olena Kondratiuk, proceeding despite an earlier refusal from a parliamentary committee. Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff Miroslav Hlaváč awaits defense ministry approval to attend a security summit in Ukraine next week.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy