Croatian defense minister rules out sending forces, while Slovenia keeps option open under potential UN mandate.
On September 5, 2025, Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic announced that Croatia would not deploy troops to Ukraine during a signing ceremony for a defense cooperation agreement with Slovenian Defense Minister Borut Sajovic. “We are neither prepared, nor do we wish, nor do we plan to send the Croatian Army to Ukraine,” Anusic stated, affirming continued strong support for Ukraine through other means, reports 24brussels.
In contrast, Sajovic indicated that Slovenia may consider sending troops to Ukraine but only under a potential United Nations mandate, which would require approval from the U.N. Security Council—a process complicated by the veto powers held by Russia and China.
On the previous day, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that 26 nations, part of the Coalition of the Willing, had agreed to either deploy troops or provide security guarantees to Ukraine across land, sea, or air.
The defense agreement between Croatia and Slovenia aims to enhance coordination between their armed forces and defense industries, with Anusic emphasizing its comprehensive nature. Sajovic commented on the necessity for stronger defense collaboration, particularly due to changing global circumstances, while also noting the significant responsibility both nations hold in the Western Balkans for maintaining peace in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Both Croatia and Slovenia participate in NATO peacekeeping missions, including EUFOR Althea in Bosnia-Herzegovina and KFOR in Kosovo. Anusic referenced a prior agreement similar to this one, signed in March with NATO member Albania and with Kosovo, which seeks NATO membership and hosts a military base.
