Croatia’s military assistance to Ukraine has totalled 181 million euros since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russian conflict

On Wednesday, 31 January 2024, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić participated in the informal meeting of EU ministers of defence, which took place in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, presided over the meeting. Rustem Umerov, the Ukrainian Defence Minister, also spoke to the ministers on this particular occasion.

They discussed the defence readiness of the European Union, the European Union’s support for Ukraine, and the security challenges in the Sahel and the Red Sea.

Further close cooperation between allies and partners in the development of joint defence capabilities is necessary in light of the Russian conflict against Ukraine, as Minister Anušić pointed out:

“Croatia will continue to support Ukraine. So far Croatia has provided military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 181 million euros. Not all countries have the same financial capabilities and weapons to assist Ukraine. However, Croatia will fulfil everything promised to Ukraine.”

Minister Anušić also stated that the defence industry is a top issue when discussing the significance of investing in national defence capabilities. In a statement, he informed the media that Croatia must start manufacturing ammunition and weapons for both domestic use and for export. Croatia has been doing this, but not in the way or in the amount that is required.

“Croatian defence industry manufacturers are part of the Croatian Defence Industry Competitiveness Cluster and will also connect with the EU manufacturers. For the benefit of Ukraine as well as the security of our nation and people, we must begin manufacturing our own supplies of ammunition and weaponry,” Anušić added.

He emphasised that Croatia supports the development of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS), which should be in line with current EU initiatives and priorities and will promote collective defence and deterrence within the framework of the EU and NATO.

“As a maritime country, Croatia supports all efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and merchant shipping protection in the region,” the Minister said in reference to the security crisis in the Red Sea.