Ukraine-related developments: refugee numbers in Czechia and war casualties

The number of Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic continues to rise. According to Ministry of Interior data, 388,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently using temporary protection status, most of whom are women and children. Additionally, approximately 200,000 Ukrainians who previously arrived for work reside in the country. This brings the total Ukrainian population in the Czech Republic to 614,330, making them the largest minority—five times larger than the second-largest minority, Slovaks. Ukrainians now account for 54 percent of all foreigners in the country, contributing to a total foreign population exceeding one million.

In the context of the ongoing conflict, Czech President Petr Pavel stated in an interview with CNN that Russia suffers heavy losses for minimal territorial gains. He noted that Russia loses more than 1,000 people for every square kilometer gained in Ukraine. Recent data indicates that Russia has captured less than 0.4 percent of Ukrainian territory over the last year. Footage released by the Ukrainian National Guard’s ‘Freedom of Force’ battalion illustrates the intensity of the fighting near Dobropillia in the Donetsk region, showing high concentrations of casualties in contested areas.