Czech President authorises twenty Czech citizens to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Prague, Czech Republic (Svidomi) — Czech President Petr Pavel has given his official approval to 20 Czech citizens seeking to join Ukraine’s armed forces, Radio Prague International reports.

Another 56 applications were rejected by Pavel based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence and Interior.

The reason for the rejection of applications for admission to service in the Armed Forces was that the applicants did not meet the criteria.

Service in foreign armed forces is prohibited by law for Czechs without the president's permission.

Since February 24, 2022, the previous Czech president, Miloš Zeman, has issued 132 permits for Czech citizens to join the Armed Forces.

In 2022, the Czech authorities decided not to prosecute their citizens going to fight in Ukraine against Russia.