Andrej Babis, leader of the ANO party that won the Czech Republic's parliamentary election, said the new government would not use the national budget to provide weapons to Ukraine.
Speaking in Prague on October 8, Mr. Babis emphasized: "We will not give Ukraine even one dong from the budget to buy weapons."
Haideris, 71, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, is expected to return to the post after ANO won 80 of the 200 seats in the lower house.
With ongoing coalition talks with the right-wing parties, he could form a new government with a majority of 108 seats.
Despite his opposition to spending the budget on Ukrainian military aid, Babis said Czech arms companies could continue to export to Ukraine: "We are not against that."
Previously, the outgoing government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala was one of Kiev's most active allies, having initiated an international program to supply ammunition to Ukraine. Accordingly, about 3.5 million bulletins of large size were sent to Ukraine, with financial support from many countries, including Germany.
Mr. Babis called on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO) to receive and continue this ammunition aid program, suggesting the possibility of changing the way the Czech Republic participates in supporting Ukraine in the coming period. According to the announcement from President Petr Pavel, the newly elected parliament will hold its first session on November 3.
