Croatian President Zoran Milanović has stated that Croatia will not send its troops to Ukraine, addressing recent discussions held in Paris by the so-called “Coalition of the Willing.”
In a statement published on his official Facebook page, Milanović commented on a meeting involving France, the United Kingdom, and several other countries, where the possibility of deploying military units to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia was discussed.
“Yesterday in Paris, the official intention of France, the United Kingdom, and several other countries was expressed to deploy military units to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. To remove any doubt regarding the role of the Croatian Armed Forces in the so-called Coalition of the Willing, as Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, I am telling Croatian citizens — Croatia will not send its soldiers to Ukraine,” Milanović wrote.
No Obligation Beyond EU and NATO Membership
The Croatian president emphasized that Croatia’s international obligations stem exclusively from its membership in the European Union and NATO, and that decisions taken by the “Coalition of the Willing” do not bind Croatia or its armed forces in any way.
Milanović further stressed that, amid what he described as a new global order dominated by power politics, the primary mission of the Croatian Armed Forces remains the defense of national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
“In the emerging global order, where force and the rule of the strongest are becoming the norm in international relations, the primary task of the Croatian Armed Forces is the defense of Croatia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity,” he stated.
Military Readiness and Financial Aid to Ukraine
Milanović also addressed investments in Croatia’s armed forces, including the introduction of basic military training, noting that these measures are intended to increase readiness and operational capability, not to support foreign deployments.
While reiterating Croatia’s commitment to financial assistance for Ukraine, as pledged by the government, he cautioned that such support must not come at the expense of equipping the Croatian military or lowering the living standards of Croatian citizens.
“The duty of all Croatian state institutions is to protect Croatian national interests and the interests of our citizens,” Milanović concluded.
