Russia poses the greatest security challenge to the Czech Republic, the head of the country’s counterintelligence service (BIS), Michal Koudelka, told lawmakers in Prague on September 8. Speaking at a parliamentary conference, he said Moscow’s aim is to undermine public trust in institutions, the state, the rule of law and Czechia’s role in the international community. According to Koudelka, one of Russia’s primary goals is to fracture the European Union, since a united and strong Europe remains the main obstacle to the Kremlin’s imperial ambitions. Russian propaganda, he warned, actively spreads fake news and disinformation to deepen internal divisions in Czech society and destabilize the country. Radio Prague International quoted him as saying Russia is the Czech Republic’s “main adversary and biggest security threat.”
Moscow’s hybrid campaign and looming elections
In recent years, Russia has intensified its hybrid warfare against Czechia. In July 2025, BIS reported that Russian intelligence services carried out cyberattacks against state institutions and critical infrastructure. Russian propaganda outlets have targeted Czech audiences with disinformation, while Moscow has supported political movements opposed to EU and NATO membership or critical of aid to Ukraine. The timing is sensitive: Czech parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 3–4. A recent STEM poll suggests the opposition ANO movement, led by Eurosceptic Andrej Babiš, could win. Analysts warn Moscow would benefit from an ANO-led government, potentially in coalition with the far-right SPD, as this could weaken EU unity on Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. A policy shift might also endanger Prague’s initiative to supply ammunition to Kyiv, which Koudelka said would play directly into Vladimir Putin’s hands.
Past operations highlight scale of threat
The BIS chief stressed that Russia is not seeking to end the war in Ukraine. “If it wanted to, it would never have started it. If it wanted to, it would agree to peace talks. If it wanted to, it would not be killing civilians so brutally, targeting women, children and innocent unarmed citizens,” Koudelka said. He added that Ukrainians are also fighting for Czech freedom: “They are giving us time to prepare for possible Russian aggression.” Russian operations against Czechia have gone far beyond propaganda. In 2014, explosions at ammunition depots in Vrbětice were linked to Russian agents, showing Moscow is prepared to use sabotage to achieve its aims. In spring 2024, BIS exposed a Russian influence network operating under the cover of the “Voice of Europe” media platform, which financed pro-Russian politicians and spread anti-Ukrainian narratives before being sanctioned and shut down by the Czech government.
Unity and resilience as the only response
Koudelka underlined that Russia only respects strength. For Czechia, this means not only building modern armed forces but also demonstrating the determination to defend freedom. He called for unity, resolve and cooperation at both domestic and international levels, noting that Czechia’s collaboration with EU and NATO partners is “excellent.” Public awareness of the threats, he argued, is crucial to ensure understanding of why large sums from the national budget are directed to defense and security. He concluded that safeguarding Czech sovereignty and democratic values requires robust counterintelligence measures within the country and across allied frameworks.
