The warning comes as Czechia prepares for elections in October. Russian influence on elections in Central and Eastern Europe, such as those of Romania and of Moldova later this month, has been a key concern for Brussels over the last year as it works to maintain support for Ukraine.
The Czech Security Information Service, BIS, has been regularly warning about Russian influence operations in Czechia, noting attempts to push media narratives favorable to the Kremlin or hacking government institutions.
Russia seeks to sow division and erode public trust in institutions, the state, the rule of law, and Czechia’s place in the international community, said Koudelka.
In its 2024 report, the spy service said that Russia had been hiring migrants from outside the EU to commit crimes, spread fear and undermine trust in the government.
Investigative outlet Voxpot found that the output of Czech disinformation websites — with articles translated from Russian outlets under sanctions — is at its highest level in history ahead of the October elections.
Koudelka also said that Russia doesn’t want to end its war against Ukraine, or it would have already done so. He added that Ukrainians are fighting for the freedom of Czechia.
“They are giving us time to prepare for possible Russian aggression,” he said, adding that the only language Russia speaks is strength, and Czechia must show determination to defend freedom.”