Biography

September 28, 1944 · Kolín, Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia [now Czech Republic]

6′ 1½″ (1.87 m)

Prime Minister of the Czech Republic (1998-2002).

President of the Czech Republic (2013-).

[24 February 2022; on Vladimir Putin initiated the military attack to invade Ukraine] I have studied President Putin's speech this morning in detail and will respond in one sentence. Alleged or actual mistakes, such as the bombing of Yugoslavia or entry into Iraq, cannot justify one's own mistakes. By doing so, Russia is committing a crime against peace.

[24 February 2022; on Russians invading Ukraine] I love Russian culture and I value the Russian victims of World War Two, but this does not mean that I will agree with the invasion of a foreign army on the territory of a sovereign state. Russia has thus committed a crime against peace. A few days ago, I said that the Russians are not crazy and will not attack Ukraine; I admit I was wrong.