Plenković v Kijevu: V Ukrajini se dogaja nedvomna krivica

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković arrived in Kyiv for his sixth visit since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, participating in commemorations marking Ukraine’s Independence Day and attending the fifth summit of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format. During his address, delivered partly in Ukrainian, Plenković highlighted the resilience of Ukrainians “through centuries of war and attempts to erase their identity and place in history.” He emphasized that Ukraine has endured, with determination visible across the country, from soldiers defending its borders to teachers working amid unrest, and doctors and volunteers providing aid. Plenković paid tribute to fallen military personnel and civilian victims, noting that Croatia understands Ukraine’s plight due to its own experience of a similar situation 35 years ago. “We recognize injustice when we see it,” he said, adding that the injustices suffered by Ukraine over such a long period are clear, undeniable, and severe. 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 wanted more territory for itself, referring directly to Russia. In a press conference following the summit, Plenković stated that Ukraine, along with other candidate countries, must take advantage of the current moment when expansion has returned to the focus of the European Union. This new political climate, combined with the arrival of a new government in Hungary after Viktor Orbán’s administration, which unjustifiably blocked Kyiv’s accession process, allows Ukraine to open its first negotiation cluster, according to the Croatian leader. However, the accession process must remain based on merits to ensure that countries entering the European Union are genuinely prepared for membership, Plenković emphasized. His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining high standards while recognizing the urgency of supporting Ukraine’s integration into European structures. The summit brought together leaders from Ukraine and several Southeast European nations, including Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania. Discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing security, and advancing Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. Plenković reiterated Croatia’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the shared values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. His visit coincided with ongoing efforts by the European Union to accelerate Ukraine’s accession negotiations, despite challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and internal divisions within the bloc. Plenković’s presence in Kyiv was intended to reinforce solidarity among Western allies and reaffirm the commitment to Ukraine’s future as a European nation. As the summit concluded, officials expressed hope that the momentum generated could lead to tangible progress in negotiations, particularly in areas such as trade, energy, and defense cooperation. The Croatian prime minister’s visit served as a symbolic yet practical demonstration of the broader European community’s resolve to stand with Ukraine during this critical phase of its history.