Of Hawks and Russia's Friends The Czech Debate over EU Sanctions

The European Union imposed sanctions on Russia because of the annexation of the Crimea and the covert war against Ukraine in the Donbas. Although Moscow continues to challenge the European order, the lifting of sanctions is being discussed within the EU. The Czech debate is typical. Short-term economic interests and party rivalries are determining the way leaders in Prague think. President Milos Zeman even openly accepts Moscow's interpretation of events in Ukraine. Only a few transatlanticists and the proponents of a foreign policy based on values favour stronger action against Russia. Among the vast majority of Czechs, consensus prevails on one point alone: Prague should stay out of the crisis.