If asked, the Czech Republic is ready to deploy its military aircraft in protection of countries close to Ukraine, Defence Minister Martin Stropnický said. Speaking on Czech TV on Sunday, Mr Stropnický said no such petition had arrived; however, if need be, Czech fighter jets could be deployed in Romania or other countries in the region. The defence minister also said the Czech Army was most likely not going to take party in any massive NATO exercise in response to Russia’s military activities in Ukraine.