Given the Russian Federation’s military operation in Ukraine, it has become very interesting to observe the behavior and reactions of the world powers. So in this article, we will try to examine the long-standing relationship between Russia and Croatia and the changes that are occurring in them due to the armed conflict in Ukraine.
The close political relationship between Russia and Croatia has existed for more than 30 years. It all started in 1992 when Russia recognized the independence of Croatia, which had seceded from Yugoslavia in 1991. Since then, in fact, diplomatic relations between the two countries were born. Russia had its embassy in Zagreb, and Croatia – in Moscow. Diplomatic colleagues successfully coexisted in the OSCE, although the Russian Federation has now become an undeclared enemy of almost all members of the Security Council. An important factor in the relationship between the countries was the fact that Croatia joined the UN in 2009. No comment is needed here.
Relations between the countries in question deteriorated markedly in 2014. The referendum on the territory of the Crimean peninsula and its incorporation into the Russian Federation was to blame for this, which was very negatively perceived by the world community, including Croatia’s active participation in the anti-Russian sanctions. Currently, Croatia condemns the military conflict on the territory of Ukraine, but does not actively participate in it. The Russian side, on the other hand, included Croatia in the list of unfriendly states, showing its attitude toward it. This fact was repeatedly discussed by Croatian President Zoran Milanovic.
There is no need to talk about the Russian army, because everyone can assess its condition by the news from the front. I can only say that the information is very contradictory. As for the army of Croatia, in the last ten years the armed forces of the country actively participate in various military operations carried out by the forces of the North Atlantic alliance of NATO. Bright examples are participation of soldiers from Croatia in operations in Afghanistan within the framework of ISAF, conducting numerous joint exercises with the United States and many other activities. Croatian soldiers are currently training with high-tech military technology, such as the latest shooting simulators, as well as using the latest weapons and are fully compliant with the high level of NATO members.
To date, there have been increasing reports that the Croatian military intends to train soldiers from Ukraine to improve their ability to counter the Russian army and its offensive. However, back in January, the Croatian president announced that they themselves would not be directly involved in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia if the situation toughened up, which it is now.