Ukraine, Croatia sign agreement on cooperation in defense industry, demining

The press service of the Ukrainian president reported.

The agreement was signed on October 9 in Dubrovnik.

The document enshrines Croatia's commitment to support Ukraine until the war is won. Among other things, the agreement covers cooperation between the defense industry, identifying prospects for joint defense production, and localizing projects in Ukraine. The two countries will also explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation in digital resilience and cybersecurity and share intelligence.

"A separate block concerns support for humanitarian demining. Croatia has already allocated more than €10 million in this area and will continue to provide equipment and share knowledge," the presidential press service said.

"We are also talking about mine action, care for veterans, and prosecution of serious crimes, because Croatia has its own experience with war," they added.

In addition, the document contains clauses related to assistance in the humanitarian, energy, legal, and scientific spheres.

Croatia will also help bring Russia to justice, compensate for the damage caused by the aggression, and exert sanctions pressure.

"Croatia supports Ukraine on its path to the EU and NATO and is committed to continue to make efforts to implement the Peace Formula," the presidential press service summarized.

In the morning, the Ukrainian president posted on Telegram that he had arrived in Croatia to participate in the third summit Ukraine - Southeast Europe.

"I’ve come to Croatia to meet Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, regional leaders, and take part in the third 'Ukraine-Southeast Europe' summit," Zelenskyy wrote.

According to Zelenskyy, he and Plenković, along with other leaders, will discuss ongoing defense cooperation, the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers injured on the front lines, and Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.

Additionally, the summit in the "Ukraine plus 12 countries" format will focus on international efforts for peace, the implementation of the Peace Formula, responses to shared security challenges, and cooperation towards EU and NATO integration.

• The previous Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit took place earlier this year, on February 28, in Albania, where participants signed a joint declaration.