President Zoran Milanovic has repeatedly criticized Western policies toward Russia and the Balkans.
Croatia’s president on Monday criticized Western countries for supplying Ukraine with heavy tanks and other weapons in a campaign against Russian aggression, saying these weapons would only prolong the war. rice field.
Zoran Milanovic told reporters in the Croatian capital that it was “insane” to believe Russia could be defeated in a conventional war.
“I am against sending deadly weapons there,” Milanovic said. “It prolongs the war.”
“What is the goal? Collapse of Russia, regime change? There is also talk of tearing Russia apart. This is insane,” he said.
“It is clear that Crimea will never again be part of Ukraine,” added Milanovic.
Croatia’s president was elected as a left-leaning liberal candidate in 2019 to run against the conservative governments currently in power in the European Union and NATO member states.
However, he later turned to populist nationalism, criticizing Western policies toward Russia and the Balkans.
Milanovic has built a reputation for being pro-Russian, which he has repeatedly denied.
In recent months, however, he has openly opposed Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership and the training of Ukrainian troops in Croatia as part of EU aid to the struggling country.
After months of hesitation, the US announced last week that it would send 31 of its 70-ton Abrams tanks to Ukraine, while Germany sent 14 Leopard 2 tanks and forced other countries to do the same. announced.
“From 2014 to 2022, we will see how someone provokes Russia with the intention of starting this war,” Milanovic said.
“What is the purpose of this war? A war against a nuclear power that is at war with another country? Are there conventional ways to defeat such a state?” Milanovic asked Monday.
“Who pays the price? Europe. America pays the least,” he said. “It’s been a year and we’re only talking about tanks now,” Milanovic said.
“Not a single American tank will go to Ukraine in a year. Only German tanks will be sent there.”
Although the presidency is mostly ceremonial in Croatia, Milanovic is officially the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
His recent outburst of anti-Western outbursts has embarrassed and annoyed the government of a country that has been outright supportive of Ukraine.