Czech SPD urges coalition council to debate joining Ukraine weapons financing scheme

The far‑right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, led by MP Tomio Okamura, announced it will push for a discussion at the Friday coalition council on whether the Czech Republic should join the PURL (Priority‑List of Ukraine Requirements) initiative. The programme allows European allies and Canada to purchase U.S.‑made ammunition and weapons and transfer them to Ukraine.

SPD claims the issue has never been considered by the coalition and that the decision rests with Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, who has said the government plans to divert some budget lines into the PURL scheme. The coalition, composed of ANO, SPD and the Motorists, has so far refused to fund direct weapons purchases for Kyiv and does not contribute to the Czech ammunition initiative, although it continues to operate. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš reiterated that the Czech Republic will not block the plan but will not provide financial contributions, citing the need to meet NATO obligations.

Okamura warned, “SPD zásadně nesouhlasí s účastí ČR na iniciativě, v jejímž rámci evropské země financují americké zbraně určené pro Ukrajinu.” Macinka added that the government is examining the redirection of certain mandatory budget projects toward the PURL programme.