Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a groundbreaking 10-year cooperation agreement with Croatia, solidifying their partnership in defense industries and humanitarian efforts. The agreement comes as Zelenskiy prepares to attend the Ukraine-South East Europe summit in Dubrovnik, where international efforts for peace will be at the forefront of discussions.
Zelenskiy met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to formalize the deal, which includes Croatia's commitment to providing military equipment and expertise in demining. Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Croatia has already sent 11 military packages to support Kyiv.
During the summit, Zelenskiy will also explore opportunities for Ukraine to join the European Union and NATO, with discussions involving 12 participating countries. This marks the third summit of its kind, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in promoting peace and stability.
Analysis:
This partnership between Ukraine and Croatia underscores the growing support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. By strengthening ties in defense and humanitarian efforts, both countries are working towards a more secure and stable future. Additionally, Ukraine's potential path to joining the EU and NATO signals a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics, with implications for regional security and cooperation. Overall, this cooperation deal and the upcoming summit reflect a concerted effort to address ongoing challenges and promote peace in the region.