Petr Fiala

EU leaders on Wednesday weighed a response to suspicions of Russian meddling ahead of June elections in the bloc, with several states pushing for sanctions targeting "malign activities" by Moscow.

Brussels has issued escalating warnings about Russia sowing disinformation ahead of the polls, and seeking to weaken Western support for Ukraine as it fights off Moscow's invasion.

The Czech Republic has revealed the dismantling of a vast network of Russian influence spanning across Europe, with Bulgaria among its targeted countries. Prime Minister Petr Fiala disclosed the operation at a press conference, highlighting the involvement of a dozen European secret services in uncovering the intricate web of propaganda and political manipulation.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Ukraine's allies, including the Czech Republic, to demonstrate courage in the face of an "unstoppable" Russia, reported France Press.

Amidst a national day of mourning, the Czech Republic's embassy in Bulgaria solemnly lowered its flag to half-mast, paying tribute to the victims of the tragic mass shooting at Prague University. In a poignant display of remembrance, flickering mourning candles now stand in front of the embassy building in Sofia, joined by the EU flag also flying at half-mast.

The Czech Republic has declared December 23rd as a day of mourning following the devastating shooting incident at Prague University, as reported by Reuters.

In the aftermath of the tragic event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic conveyed that efforts are ongoing to identify the victims, and their nationalities remain to be determined.

Czech-born literary giant Milan Kundera died on July 11, aged 94, at his Paris home. Born in Brno, Kundera played a significant role in the intellectual revival that culminated in the Prague Spring in the late 60s. In 1975, with his work banned amid the "normalisation" imposed on Czechoslovak society by the Communist authorities, the author decamped to France in exile.

The reshuffle has left some insiders and analysts suspecting that the prime minister's much-trumpeted media crusade - aimed at strengthening the independence of the public broadcaster, fighting disinformation and boosting strategic communications - was throttled by a cabal of powerful enemies.

Thousands took to the streets of Prague to protest the Czech government, high inflation and demand an end to the country's military support for Ukraine.

They also raised their voices against the European Union and NATO.
The organizers of the demonstrations, who come from numerous right-wing groups and smaller groups, including the Communist Party, said that the Czech Republic should be militarily neutral and should ensure direct contacts with gas suppliers, including Russia, Reuters reported.

"Orban is intoxicated by his own success," sighs Istvan Szent-Ivanyi, a former Hungarian state secretary and ambassador, referring to the governing party's landslide election victory. "Frankly, given the current situation, I expect his rhetoric to get even sharper, with no signs of changing his pro-Russian and anti-EU line."