Czech news in brief for December 29: Monday’s top morning headlines

Czech security analysts speaking to the Czech Press Agency say no major breakthrough is expected soon in Ukraine, despite Russia holding the battlefield initiative. Fighting remains concentrated in eastern Ukraine, with Russian advances slow and costly. Analysts describe the situation as largely static since Ukraine’s failed 2023 counteroffensive. They warn that political pressure, Western fatigue, and diplomacy pose greater risks than immediate military escalation.

Road workers warned of icy and frost-covered roads Monday morning in parts of eastern Czechia, particularly in the Zlín and Olomouc regions. Ice was reported on major routes, including sections of the I/69 and I/50 roads and a D55 motorway bridge. Gritters treated some areas as a precaution. Meteorologists warned slippery conditions could persist nationwide through midmorning. Temperatures in the Šumava Mountains dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius this morning. 

Public transport fares will largely hold steady across the Czech Republic in 2026, but passengers in Prague and Central Bohemia will pay more. Prague will raise single-ticket prices and fines, while Central Bohemia will increase integrated transport fares, especially for paper tickets. Higher fares are also planned in Prostějov and Jihlava, while most other regions report no changes.

Demand for home purchases in the Czech Republic is expected to keep rising in 2026, especially in Prague, Brno and nearby cities, real estate experts say. Limited construction will push property prices up about 5% and rents by 7% to 10%. Developers are delaying projects, tightening supply further and driving buyers toward suburban and well-connected regional locations.

A historic vehicle convoy traveled through the Pardubice and Central Bohemian regions to mark the 84th anniversary of the 1941 parachute landings of Czechoslovak resistance units sent from Britain. Participants visited drop zones of the Anthropoid, Silver A and Silver B groups, honoring paratroopers and civilians who aided them. The mission led to the 1942 assassination of Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich.