Marking the Storm, as always, brought political lightning.

The annual commemoration of Operation Neviha in Croatia sparked renewed political tensions, with leaders from both Croatia and Serbia expressing sharply contrasting views. On August 5, 2026, Croatian officials in Knin celebrated the 31st anniversary of the military operation that ended the war in Croatia, while Serbian authorities in Mrkonjić Grad marked the day as a remembrance of victims and displaced persons during the operation. The event, which took place in Knin, drew participation from key political figures, including President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who were largely absent from public disputes this year. In contrast, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić delivered a strongly worded speech in Mrkonjić Grad, calling Operation Neviha a “crime that Serbs must never forget,” and emphasizing the strength of Serbian armed forces. Operation Neviha, conducted by the Croatian military in 1995, was a decisive campaign that led to the end of the Croatian War of Independence. It resulted in the expulsion of ethnic Serb populations from parts of Croatia, particularly in Knin, and marked a turning point in the conflict. While Croatian commemorations focused on national victory, Serbian remembrance centered on the suffering of its citizens during the operation. This divergence has become increasingly pronounced over the years, especially during anniversaries, when political rhetoric often intensifies. Vučić’s remarks in Mrkonjić Grad highlighted his government's stance against any future operations targeting Serbs in Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. He accused Croatia of continuing to rewrite history in ways that ignore the experiences of Serbs. His comments also extended to other regional actors, including the Republic of Kosovo and the Black Mountains. Vučić criticized the Black Mountains for not sending representatives to the Croatian ceremony in Knin, despite having sent one to the Serbian event in Mrkonjić Grad. He suggested that such decisions might have been influenced by the country’s desire to maintain closer ties with the European Union. In response, Croatian officials expressed their own concerns. Defense Minister Ivan Anušić accused Vučić of using similar tactics against critics within Croatia, suggesting that his approach could lead to further polarization. President Milanović, meanwhile, warned that Serbia’s efforts to revise historical narratives could have negative consequences, particularly given the involvement of external advisors and allies. He emphasized the need for transparency and questioned whether such actions were justified. The Black Mountains faced internal criticism as well. The office of President Jakov Milatović stated that the country’s participation in the Knin event was not mandatory and that its foreign policy should reflect respect for all victims of wars in the former Yugoslavia, without selective approaches. This statement was directed at the ruling government, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who had previously ensured representation at the Croatian event. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later clarified that the country had sent representatives to the Knin ceremony in each of the past ten years. Among the Croatian participants, the presence of General Tihomir Kundid, chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, was notable. Milanović praised Kundid for his loyalty and for having commanded a battalion during the operation. Kundid had recently found himself caught between Milanović and Plenković over the participation of Croatian soldiers in a military parade in Paris. Despite these tensions, Kundid followed Milanović’s guidance, leading to Croatia sending police officers instead of military personnel to the event.