During the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic expressed concerns regarding Serbia’s military expansion, particularly its acquisition of long-range weaponry. He indicated that Croatia may need to consider a response to these developments, as reported by Croatian news agency Hina.
Milanovic commented on Serbia’s unusual behavior, expressing hope that the country would not purchase “a wheeled aircraft carrier” in the next six months, noting that it lacks access to the sea. His remarks highlight concerns over Serbia’s military procurement policy, questioning its threat assessment and the intended use of acquired weaponry.
“There is a very unusual approach to armament, and the question must be asked: what is the purpose of these purchases, why are they acquiring them, what threat assessment are they based on, and how do they intend to use these capabilities?” Milanovic stated.
He noted that hypersonic missiles are just one aspect of Serbia’s military acquisitions and emphasized that Croatia must find a way to respond, potentially by purchasing comparable capabilities.
“This is something NATO needs to be aware of, and it is my duty to raise the issue here,” the Croatian president said.
Comments on NATO Summit Atmosphere
In discussing the overall atmosphere of the NATO summit, Milanovic characterized former President Donald Trump as a “very determined arms dealer,” focused on advancing U.S. interests. He mentioned that Trump spoke respectfully of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who reciprocated that respect.
Milanovic reiterated Croatia’s stance, stating, “We must remain loyal and fair to our NATO allies. We do nothing behind anyone’s back and never have. However, we also monitor developments closely and protect our own interests.”
He also noted that Croatia would not join the “Coalition of the Willing” and mentioned that no one has asked Zagreb to participate in that initiative.
The president described Croatia’s current position as “beneficial,” arguing that location is paramount in international politics, and asserting that his country is in a much better position than Estonia or Lithuania.
“My responsibility as the leader of this country and president is to secure the greatest possible benefit from this position for our people, not to blindly follow trends or repeat, like a parrot, phrases that would please Ursula von der Leyen. That will not happen,” he assured, according to Hina.
