Czech MP Jindřich Rajchl faces criticism over conference with sanctioned Russian propagandist

Czech MP Jindřich Rajchl, leader of the PRO movement, is facing intense political criticism following his participation in a conference organized by the association Svatopluk in Prague. The event, which focused on expanding trade relations between Central European countries and BRICS nations, featured speaker Fjodor Lukjanov, a Russian propagandist currently on the European Union's sanctions list.

Opposition leaders have reacted sharply to Rajchl's presence. Martin Kupka, chairman of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), labeled Rajchl a “Kremlin collaborator” and accused him of attempting to mask insignificance with grandiloquent rhetoric alongside figures from the disinformation scene. Kupka urged Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to distance himself from the MP's participation in the session.

Rajchl defended his attendance by stating that negotiation with Russia is necessary. The conference also included appearances by former President Miloš Zeman and MEP Kateřina Konečná. Lukjanov's presentation reportedly included warnings regarding nuclear threats as a means to signal European states to cease military aid to Ukraine.