On January 25, Ambassador of Croatia to Ukraine Anica Djamić was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The Ukrainian side conveyed the messages on unacceptability of today’s statements by President of Croatia Zoran Milanović addressed towards the Ukrainian state.
His saying on the Revolution of Dignity offend the memory of Ukrainians and foreigners who gave their lives for the European future of Ukraine.
The statements of Croatian President about Ukraine's membership in NATO as well as on distancing of Croatia from providing assistance to our country during the Russian aggression caused deep disappointment.
It was underlined that this approach stands against the general human values, taking into consideration the bitter war experience of the Croatian nation.
The Croatian President showed his contempt and ingratitude for the assistance that Ukraine and Ukrainians had provided to Croatia during its struggle for independence, as well as in fighting devastating fires last year.
However, we are convinced that this ingratitude is his personal trait and is not shared by the Croatian people, with whom we are united by friendship and mutual respect.
Zoran Milanović's statements retransmit Russian propaganda narratives, do not correspond to Croatia's consistent official position in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, harm bilateral relations and undermine unity within the EU and NATO in the face of current security threats in Europe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine demands a public refutation of these insulting statements by the President of Croatia, as well as non-repetition in the future. The Ambassador of Ukraine will also make a corresponding demarche in Zagreb.
Ukraine highly appreciates the friendly and partnership relations with Croatia, which have been successfully developing between the governments of two countries, and counts on the unwavering support of Croatia, in particular on the path of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of our state.