The government of the Czech Republic has formally summoned the Russian ambassador in Prague after what it described as threatening remarks and actions targeting Czech companies. The move comes amid rising tensions between Russia and several European Union countries over military support for Ukraine.
The Czech foreign ministry said on Thursday that the decision was triggered by a recent Russian defence ministry report and public comments made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. According to Czech officials, both the report and Medvedev’s statements were seen as indirectly threatening specific companies in the country.
Officials said the Russian defence ministry had recently published a list of factories and industrial sites across Europe that it claimed were involved in producing drones or related military equipment for Ukraine. Several of these facilities were reportedly located in EU member states, including the Czech Republic.
The Czech foreign ministry stated that some of the companies mentioned in the Russian report were described in a way that suggested they could be potential targets. Authorities said this raised serious concerns about national security and the safety of private businesses operating within the country.
In addition, Medvedev commented on social media platform X that the listed sites could be considered possible targets for Russian forces. His remarks included warnings that whether or not strikes would actually happen depended on future developments in the conflict. Czech officials said such language was unacceptable and increased tensions further.
Following these developments, the Czech government called in the Russian ambassador to formally express its protest and demand clarification. The ministry emphasized that threatening civilian companies in EU countries crosses a diplomatic line and contributes to further instability in the region.
Relations between Russia and Western countries have remained highly strained since the war in Ukraine escalated. European governments have provided military and logistical support to Ukraine, including drones and other equipment, which Russia has repeatedly criticized as direct involvement in the conflict.
Moscow, on the other hand, argues that Western arms supplies are prolonging the war and escalating the risk of wider confrontation. Russian officials have repeatedly warned that infrastructure involved in military production for Ukraine could be considered legitimate targets.
Czech authorities rejected this position, saying that civilian companies operating within legal frameworks should not be threatened. Officials stressed that all disputes must be handled through diplomatic channels rather than public intimidation or implied military action.
The Czech foreign ministry also stated that it will continue to coordinate with its European partners on how to respond to what it described as increasingly aggressive rhetoric from Moscow. The government did not announce any immediate retaliatory measures but made clear that it views the situation seriously.
Diplomatic tensions between Prague and Moscow have been high since the start of the Ukraine war, with both sides frequently exchanging accusations. Several Czech officials have previously been sanctioned by Russia, and diplomatic relations have been significantly reduced compared to pre-war levels.
Despite the latest dispute, Czech authorities said they still hope to avoid further escalation and maintain open communication channels where possible. However, they also emphasized that threats against national companies will not be tolerated.
The situation highlights the broader spillover effects of the Ukraine conflict across Europe, where political, economic, and security concerns are increasingly interconnected.
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