Plenković in Kiew: Wir erkennen Ungerechtigkeit, wenn wir sie sehen, und in der Ukraine geschieht unbestreitbare Ungerechtigkeit

Premier Andrej Plenković, during his sixth visit to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, described the situation in Ukraine as “clear, undeniable and severe injustice.” Speaking at the celebration of Ukraine’s Statehood Day and during the fifth summit of Ukraine, Southeast Europe, Plenković emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have endured centuries of war and attempts to erase their identity and place in history. He noted that Ukraine has survived, with its people showing determination across the country, among soldiers defending their homeland, teachers working under unrest, and doctors and volunteers providing aid. Plenković paid tribute to fallen soldiers and civilian victims, highlighting Croatia’s understanding of Ukraine’s plight. He pointed out that Croatia itself had faced similar challenges 35 years ago, though not in the same context. “We recognize injustice when we see it,” he said, adding that what has been happening in Ukraine for so long is clearly, undeniably, and severely unjust. He stressed that Ukraine is not responsible for the war nor did Europe provoke it. The only explanation, he argued, is the tragic reality that the largest territorial state in the world simply wants more territory for itself, a reference to Russia. In a media briefing following the summit, Plenković called for Ukraine and other candidate countries to seize the current moment, as expansion has returned to the focus of the European Union. A new political climate, along with the arrival of a new government in Hungary after Viktor Orbán’s administration, which had unjustifiably blocked Kyiv’s accession process, has created opportunities for Ukraine to open its first negotiation cluster, according to the premier. However, the accession process must remain based on merit to ensure that countries joining the EU are genuinely prepared for membership. The Croatian leader also addressed the broader implications of the conflict, emphasizing the need for solidarity among nations facing external aggression. His remarks underscored the shared values of sovereignty and self-determination, which both Croatia and Ukraine have fought to protect. Plenković reiterated that the international community should support Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian aggression, while also recognizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace. His comments were met with positive responses from Ukrainian officials, who appreciated the solidarity expressed by Croatia. Some analysts noted that Plenković’s speech reinforced the idea that small states can play a crucial role in supporting larger nations under threat. Others highlighted the significance of Croatia’s historical parallels with Ukraine, suggesting that this shared experience could foster deeper cooperation in the future. As the war continues, the question remains whether such diplomatic engagement will translate into tangible progress. With the EU focusing again on enlargement, the hope is that Ukraine and other aspiring members will benefit from renewed attention and support. Yet, the path forward remains complex, requiring sustained commitment from all sides. For now, Plenković’s visit serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds between nations that have faced similar struggles and the ongoing need for collective action in times of crisis.