The Czech Republic has officially appointed its ambassador to Russia, concluding a diplomatic impasse that persisted for over two years. Daniel Kostaval, a seasoned diplomat and former deputy defense minister, is set to assume his duties in early 2025. Czech Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Lipavsky expressed his hopes for Kostaval’s success in navigating the complexities of advancing Czech interests in Russia. Notably, this appointment aligns with the Czech Republic’s strategic relationships with key allies, including the UK, France, Germany, Poland, and the US, all of which maintain ambassadors in Moscow.
Relations between the Czech Republic and Russia soured significantly in 2021 when Prague accused Moscow of orchestrating a series of explosions at munition warehouses in Vrbetice back in 2014. This accusation led to both nations scaling back their diplomatic missions, resulting in heightened tensions. President Petr Pavel emphasized the importance of having diplomatic representation in Moscow, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing war of Ukraine, which has strained relationships throughout Europe and beyond.
