President Milanovic Rejects Involvement in Ukraine Conflict
On August 18, 2025, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic asserted that Croatian soldiers will not engage in “other people’s wars,” specifically addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
Milanovic emphasized Croatia’s commitments as a member of the European Union and NATO, stating that any obligations arise solely from these alliances. He clarified that the Croatian government lacks the authority to commit the country to new coalitions that could entail deploying soldiers to Ukraine.
The president has consistently criticized the United States and NATO for allegedly orchestrating a proxy war against Russia using Ukraine as a battleground. He described the Western sanctions targeting Russia as “absurd” and “useless,” calling for a return to dialogue with Moscow to facilitate an end to the conflict.
Simultaneously, European leaders are convening a preparatory meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on the same day, preceding discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is slated to participate in both the preparatory session and the subsequent multilateral meeting in Washington, D.C.
Milanovic’s position reflects a broader debate within Europe regarding the level of military involvement and support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war. His statements resonate in a context where European leaders are navigating their commitments to Ukraine while reconsidering relations with Russia.
