Final Word from Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Czech PM Andrej Babiš said more in Paris yesterday about his policy on the war in Ukraine than he has at any other time in the past four years. It's not that he actually laid out any specific plan; he instead said specifically what he opposes. He told journalists after yesterday's meeting of the Coalition of the Willing that he can accept points No. 1 and 5 of the Paris Declaration, but not points No. 2, 3 or 4. Those are the parts about continuing military support, sending troops as part of a ceasefire and providing security guarantees. Whether intentional or not, the Declaration is full of ambiguity, including the obligatory statement that "ensuring the sovereignty and lasting security of Ukraine shall be an integral part of a peace agreement." In an interview last week with Deník, Babiš dismissed the idea that Russia can be defeated and said that it's time for the "great leaders to sort things out somehow." He's calling for Europe to capitulate by allowing Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to do their deal. [ Czech Republic France cease-fire credible cessation of hostilities European Union Commission ]