**Czech President Visits Ukraine, Meets with Zelensky**
On March 21, Czech President Petr Pavel met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. The two leaders discussed the ongoing war with Russia and European efforts to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
During Pavel’s visit, a Russian drone attack on Odesa injured three people and damaged civilian infrastructure. Pavel had visited Odesa earlier that day, meeting with Ukrainian officials before the attack occurred.
**Security Guarantees Discussed**
Pavel and Zelensky discussed the situation on the front line, European efforts to gain security guarantees for Ukraine, and cooperation in defense production. The Ukrainian president thanked Pavel for the Czech contribution to the UK-led “coalition of the willing.”
The two countries agreed to open a Unity Center for Ukrainians in Prague. They also signed a joint statement on strategic partnership between their countries.
**Czech Republic Supports Ukraine**
The Czech Republic has been one of the most committed supporters of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. In July 2024, Ukraine and Czechia signed a 10-year bilateral security deal.
Under this agreement, the two countries plan to boost cooperation in military tech production, including ammunition, drones, electronic warfare, and heavy equipment. They also aim to set up joint enterprises and continue annual training of up to 4,000 Ukrainian military personnel.
**Other News**
* Russian forces suffered over 1,330 casualties just over the past day.
* A car with two Russian officers exploded in a Russian-occupied town in Kherson Oblast.
* President Putin‘s decree requires Ukrainian citizens residing in Russia and occupied territories to leave by September 10 or “regulate their legal status.”
* Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 114 of 214 Russian drones launched overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com