Croatian President Zoran Milanovic has refused to approve the participation of Croatian soldiers in a Nato mission to support Ukraine, sparking a heated argument with the Croatian government.
Milanovic justified his decision, saying he wants to avoid enlarging the conflict and potentially involving Croatia. Since the start of the war, he has been vocal in his opposition to efforts by the Croatian government to support Ukraine with military aid and has also questioned Western sanctions on Russia.
He declined to approve the involvement of Croatian soldiers in Nato’s Activity for Security and Training Support to Ukraine (NSATU), despite initially giving his approval to a support package for Ukraine agreed by leaders of Nato member states during a summit in July, saying he was concerned about the potential spread of the conflict, and the need to prioritise Croatia’s safety.
The package includes the establishment of NSATU, aimed at coordinating the provision of military equipment and training for Ukraine by its allies.