Czech Republic ready to train Ukrainian fighter pilots

The Czech Republic is ready to train Ukrainian fighter pilots in addition to its ongoing supply of heavy artillery shells to Kiev, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Prague on Monday.

The training could take place at the Namest military airfield, around 155 kilometers south-east of the Czech capital, Fiala proposed.

It could also be organized together with partner states on Aero L-159 training aircraft or F-16 fighter jets, he said.

Ukraine has been fighting to repel a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years with Western help.

Ukrainian pilots are already practising with Czech-made flight simulators, according to the prime minister.

"Ukraine can rely on us," Fiala emphasized.

Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the Czech ammunition initiative, which he said was working effectively.

As part of the initiative, which is financially supported by almost a dozen countries, the Czech Republic organizes the delivery of artillery ammunition from third countries.

Around half a million rounds of large-caliber ammunition were already delivered to Ukraine this year, said Fiala, who assumed that the target of 1.8 million rounds would be reached by the end of 2025.

An agreement was also signed on the establishment of a so-called Unity Hub in the Czech Republic. Zelensky said the aim of the centre is to prevent ties to Ukrainians abroad from being severed.

In addition, Ukrainians who want to return home will be offered legal advice and assistance with finding a job, for example. Further Unity Hubs are to be set up in Germany, Britain and Spain.