PHOTO: Plenković und Zelenski ehren die gefallenen Helden, der ukrainische Präsident vergibt ihnen eine besondere Medaille

On Wednesday, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković visited Kyiv, participating in commemorations marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day and attending the fifth summit of Ukraine, Southeast Europe. This marked his sixth visit to the Ukrainian capital since Russia's invasion began in February 2022. During the ceremony, Plenković joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, First Lady Olena Zelenska, and representatives of partner states in paying tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers by laying flowers at the Memory Wall and observing a minute of silence. In addressing the Ukrainian people, partly in Ukrainian, Plenković emphasized how Croatia, due to its own experience with the Homeland War, understands the challenges Ukraine faces. He highlighted that throughout centuries, Ukraine has endured wars and attempts to erase its identity and place in history yet has remained resilient. Plenković noted that the determination of the Ukrainian people is evident in soldiers defending their homeland, teachers working under pressure, doctors, and volunteers. He stated that Croatia recognizes injustice when it sees it, describing what is happening in Ukraine as “clear, undisputed, and heavy injustice.” Plenković asserted that Ukraine is not responsible for this war nor did Europe provoke it. He explained that the only explanation is the tragic reality that the largest territorial country in the world simply wants more territory for itself. At the ceremony in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy presented the European Order to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The award was part of a new honor established on Constitution Day, and von der Leyen became the first person to receive it. The order was bestowed for her personal contribution to bringing Ukraine closer to full membership in the European Union, strengthening Ukraine’s resistance to protect its independence, and promoting international cooperation, democracy, and peace. Zelenskyy thanked von der Leyen for her support on Ukraine’s path toward Europe, recalling that Ukraine submitted its application for EU membership on February 28, 2022, just days after the start of the Russian invasion. He expressed gratitude for her continued belief in Ukraine, saying, “I want to thank you for always believing in us.” Von der Leyen acknowledged that Ukrainians fight not only for their future but also for the security of the entire European continent. She announced a new partnership between the EU and Ukraine in defense industry cooperation, which would be launched through a memorandum of understanding on drones. The Statehood Day celebrations in Kyiv were attended by leaders including Albania’s president Bajram Begaj, Moldova’s president Maia Sandu, Romania’s president Nicolae Ciucă, Slovenia’s prime minister Janez Janša, and other European and international officials. The event underscored ongoing diplomatic engagement and solidarity among nations supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and aspirations for European integration.