Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is actively seeking political and additional support from a dozen countries in southeast Europe at a summit in Croatia. The Croatian President Zoran Milanovic’s absence from the meeting reflects the varying perspectives on the conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy, alongside Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and other leaders, is convening in Dubrovnik for discussions. However, Croatia’s political landscape demonstrates division over endorsing Ukraine, as Milanovic has expressed reluctance to involve Croatian soldiers in Ukraine and criticised Western strategies related to the conflict.
During the summit, Zelenskyy aims to address international collaboration towards peace, joint responses to security concerns, and the journey towards European Union and NATO partnerships. Despite seeking support from Western allies to deploy long-range weaponry against Russian targets, Kyiv is still awaiting a response.
Some Balkan nations have provided Ukraine with short-range ammunition, but Zelenskyy previously appealed for more assistance to combat Russian aggression. Additionally, in Dubrovnik, Zelenskyy will finalise an agreement with Croatia on enhanced cooperation, focusing on humanitarian aid, demining efforts, and sharing war crimes prosecution experience from Croatia’s own conflict in 1991-95.
Alongside Croatia, the summit will host representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey. Notably, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic’s government has refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia, but Vucic has affirmed respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Participants are expected to adopt a declaration condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership, and endorsing post-war reconstruction efforts. Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic highlighted the significance of upholding territorial integrity and sovereignty as the foundation for peace in Europe post-World War II.
The summit serves as a platform for strengthening regional cooperation and solidarity in response to the ongoing conflict, underscoring the importance of collective support for Ukraine’s peace initiatives and reconstruction post-war.